This seemed like an impossible task when I first started and after months of searching and coming out empty-handed. My fellowship was set to conclude at the end of October, but thanks to the foresight and generosity of Hispanic Access Foundation, and my supervisors at the National Trails System, I was offered an extension. Providing me an opportunity to stay employed during the pandemic.

Staying employed lifted a huge weight off my shoulders, but the job-hunting process was still brutal. At times I found myself questioning my credentials, my job experience, and my applications. I found it easy to criticize myself, but I also knew criticizing myself was nonsensical. So, I reached out to colleagues and friends to ask for feedback and words of advice.

My colleagues had a lot of knowledge to share and freely offered up their time to share about their own experiences. Through these conversations I was able to gain some perspective, and I realized just how hard I was being hard on myself by taking the job rejections I received personally. Many of the people I talked to shared similar stories about their career paths, that it had taken time and it had been non-linear.

I find it difficult to be patient with not knowing what my future holds. But I have come to realize it’s perfectly okay to take time to figure it out. Most importantly I want to take opportunities as they come and remain open to new experiences, I also want to practice having more patience and compassion with myself.

I recently found a job and will be moving on in the new year. What I will miss the most is working with the colleagues I have gotten to know. I have been very lucky to work with many passionate, caring, and hard-working people. People who have taken the time to answer my questions, and to mentor me in my time at the Park Service.