“In my varied adventures in the world of nature conservation, one thing remains consistent: the people working in conservation are always welcoming, kind, and willing to share experiences and stories.”

“I came into my first term with the Squam Lakes Association only mostly knowing what I was walking into.”

“The sun was setting on one end of the lake and the moon was rising on the other, and it quickly became one of those “This is awesome, I can’t believe this is my life!” kind of moments.”

“I have no conception of time because my day of arrival feels like yesterday, but it also feels like months ago.”

“I’d rather be here than in an office. That was in large part the thought that drove me back to school for conservation work in the first place”

“As my time in New Hampshire draws to an end, I think back to all the things I had an opportunity to achieve.”

“If I went back in time to the beginning of my term at the SLA and told myself that I’d be the first to finish the Ridge Race, I’d think I was joking. But by August I would’ve proved myself right.”

“While time ticks by, spirits are as high as ever and the drive to carry out the mission to protect the Newfound Watershed continues on without falter. I am thankful to reminisce on past activities and look forward to the future.”

“I’m sure my roommate and fellow conservation corps member, Emily, got so sick of waiting for me to take a picture of every new type of mushroom I find while we’re trying to monitor in the woods.”

“Imaginary Interviewer: So Virginia, you’ve been with AmeriCorps for… four months now?”