My first month as a field ranger with the USDA Forest Service has been incredibly rewarding. Throughout the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains, I’ve been constantly inspired by the career paths and experiences of those who have found their place with the National Forest Foundation and USDA. Hearing their stories has encouraged me to rethink the types of careers I want to pursue, and it has motivated me to bring my own perspective to the internship program.

 During our orientation, we explored nearby trails where we will be providing educational resources to the public. These trails, which I had only heard about from friends or PBS episodes, were exciting to finally visit. The opportunity to connect with these familiar places in person was both thrilling and enlightening.

 One highlight of the month was visiting the Mt. Wilson Observatory. I learned that it was once home to the largest telescope of its time, built at such an elevation to ensure clear skies. The small museum on-site featured stunning images of comets and star constellations captured by the telescope. The unique displays helped me appreciate the observatory’s impact and the view from the mountain was breathtaking. We were barely above the clouds, surrounded by beautiful trees, and the other interns’ efforts to connect with them and identify various plant species inspired me to try and remember them.

 The long trip back to the supervisor’s office gave me time to reflect on the experience. As I spotted the observatory from the city, I compared my initial impression of it—when I would gaze at the mountains or sit in traffic—with the reality of having been there. From below, I could no longer see the thick layer of clouds that had enveloped us at the top, making the experience all the more memorable.