The workshop was meant to provide recruiting resources and techniques to governmental agencies and non-profit companies in the Durango area that work in natural resources. As a person who got recruited through the Resources Assistant Program (one of the many pathways mentioned), I provided a different point of view on the training. I shared my experience with my group members, and they gave me an insight into their positions. 

I am currently working on my master's with the University of Miami in Ohio. One of my requirements is developing a project that aligns with my interests. I have a great passion for research and working with the youth. I combined both of my passions and came up with a youth-led citizen science project. I reached out to the community and discovered Mountain Studies Institute (MSI). MSI is a non-profit mountain research and education center that has various active citizen science projects. Coincidently, the person I was meeting with from MSI also attended the "Train the Trainer" workshop. I was able to explain my ideas and she connected me with a contact at the school district library. At the same workshop, I made connections for receiving grants for my project, which was very exciting. I had no idea I would meet so many important people at a simple workshop. Additionally, the workshop gave me ideas and a tool kit to bring back to my district! I will be sharing my ideas with my supervisor and see if I can execute training at our local schools.

I knew I was going to meet many people during my time in the San Juan National Forest, but I did not know to what extent. Many workshops are coming up and I now know how to prepare, thanks to this program.

Agency: U.S Forest Service

Program: Resource Assistant Program (RAP)

Location: San Juan National Forest