As my time as a Field Ranger comes to a close, I have reflected on my time working with the US Forest Service, National Forest Foundation, and Hispanic Access Foundation. A week from now, I will have completed the Field Ranger Program. This upcoming Friday, we will be having a graduation ceremony for the program. This ceremony is special to me because I have never had a celebration of any sort when leaving internships in the past. Our graduation highlights the unique nature of the Field Ranger program and the bond we have created with one another along the way.
A recent memorable experience was when my cohort and I went to The Huntington, a collections-based educational and research institution that is composed of botanical gardens, a library, and art museums. As I toured The Huntington, I got to take in the beauty of the gardens, each of which represent a country. I found the Chinese Garden to be especially eye-catching. The pastoral aesthetic of the garden brought me to a different place in time. The ornate and traditional style of the architecture contrasted what I see in my day-to-day life. When I toured the library, I was shocked to see an original document of the Declaration of Independence as well as how English and writing had changed over time. This experience made me realize how impactful informal education is in making people care about something they otherwise wouldn’t care for.
In this program, I have developed my skills in communication and public service. I also received in-depth education regarding the Angeles National Forest and the functions and operations of the US Forest Service as a whole. I had the privilege to speak to many USFS employees who shed light on their duties, the federal hiring process, and the pros and cons of what they do. As I figure out exactly what I want to do within the environmental science field, the advice and information given to me by US Forest Service workers, the National Forest Foundation, and other non-profits who I came in contact with, has been of great value.
