Written by Mills Guanci
My internship taught me hard skills that I desperately needed to fill my toolbox- skills like plant identification and scientific processes and proper dismantling of teasel. I worked with the public, practicing explaining complex topics to kids and convincing people that environmentalists are not terrible to talk to. I learned so much, both by doing and under the guidance of experts. 
On our first day in the field, I kept a small notebook in my pocket, which I quickly abandoned as I realized that I was learning too much to write down. There was no point in recording it- you had to know it by heart. We learned the names of flowers and learned them again till they stuck. We talked about the relationship between the earth and the plants. The swamp cabbage and marsh marigold always grow together. It was our first introduction to a theme that would be pervasive throughout the summer: the ways the parts fit together, the things that need each other, and the fact that humanity is no exception. To be a conservationist is to be a steward, and we can all learn to be better stewards of our land. As an intern, you’ll be spending a lot of time doing sweaty, necessary work. I believe now that that is the human calling- to care for the earth and everything within it.
Never have I felt more connected than to the ‘good soldiers’ I run into in the field- teens and boy scouts, and mostly retirees with whom I feel such comradery and get along with so well. I feel such joy when I see my fellow interns. Our collective love for the earth connects us as friends, and we are always able to laugh together. I feel so lucky that I have been able to join a community of people who I know to be hardworking and passionate. The work that we do is not always ‘fun’ in the traditional sense, but I always have the best time working with people with whom I share a common mission. I hope that the community you find here embraces you with open arms.
At the end of my internship, I wish I’d spent more of my time curious. It’s easy to be distracted by bugs and sun, or focus on making it through the week rather than on the flowers in front of you. But next week isn’t real, and those flowers are. I hope that you take advantage of every opportunity to explore and ask questions. This internship has given me skills, but more importantly, it has given me context. I know more about myself, my connection to the world around me, and where I want to go next. I hope being a Defender offers you the same opportunity.
