“While trail maintenance can certainly be a fulfilling time for many people, I have discovered that it is not a career that I would want to partake in for an extended period of time.”

“This endeavor has opened up a world of possibilities I never expected, and feel more than ready to tackle whatever the world throws at me next. So for that, I thank everyone involved in the last year of my life, it has been ‘more fun than a frog in a glass of milk’”

“Trail work has taught me to slow down and appreciate parts of the natural world that I hadn’t before.”

“Having spent my previous five years as a software engineer, I had a lot of uncertainty and doubt about going through such a drastic career change. But after my first year in the broad field of environmental science, if given the option to go back in time and choose again, I can safely say I absolutely would make the same choice again.”

“I definitely would not classify myself as a free spirit, or someone who takes life day by day. Anyone who knows me knows that I thrive off of planning, lists, and knowing what I am doing long before it is time to do them.”

“I am very thankful for the many conversations, experiences, obstacles, and accomplishments that I have been a part of here during the program. From interacting with the public on a daily basis, to cleaning composting toilets, I have learned a lot and could not have asked for a better experience to start my life after college.”

“I’ve always enjoyed looking at the world through a creative lens. I don’t believe in the “Black & White”; almost everything in nature is complex and nuanced.”

“It feels as though it was just yesterday that we were a group of strangers all standing behind the SLA awkwardly introducing ourselves and getting to know one another.”

“When it comes to moths, the attitude turns to pity for a dull-colored insect that flutters around chasing the light life. Or that moths are arcane, eerie creatures inspiring mystical beasts like Moth Man in the hills of West Virginia. While moths have a spooky atmosphere, their importance and magnificence are worth beholding.”

“Fear is something we all know and have experienced whether we share the same culture or not. It prevents us from growing and becoming who we truly are.”