The Academy and Me

While flying from Seattle three weeks ago, I took the chance to read an article in the Delta Sky magazine at the back of the seat in front of me. Among other interesting articles discussing topics such as Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech, there was an article focused on ways to enjoy national parks. 

This immediately caught my attention. Initially I was curious because I wanted to see which parks in the article I had already been to, and I also wanted to see which parks should be added to my checklist. But the main reason I took an interest in the article was because of the NPS/SCA Academy and the experiences I have had in national parks because of my participation in this program.

The article was a guide for exploring national parks, but I could not help but notice that none of the faces exploring the parks looked like me (I'm no model, so not me exactly), and no one looked like they came from my neighborhood or my culture. 

I was a part of the first Academy group in Grand Teton National Park (NP), one of many both that week and in the years since who has had their mind opened wide to the awesome aspects of the natural world and national parks. I have since been swimming in the North Cascades, searched for ginseng poachers in the Great Smokies, worked along a congressman in the Olympics, seen wolves and bison in Yellowstone, and many other adventures. The article and the national parks had a problem. They both were diversity deficient. The Academy made me a solution.

But as I looked past that to the intention of the article, I came to a realization. Pocahontas, in the Disney movie version of the story, told John Smith:

Come run the hidden pine trails of the forest

Come taste the sunsweet berries of the Earth

Come roll in all the riches all around you

And for once, never wonder what they're worth

This program has allowed me to do all these things and more. It has given me the opportunity to travel, see amazing places, meet a diverse group of people, and broaden my horizons. It has given me opportunities to learn about myself and grow as an individual, as a member of a team, and as a leader. 

This program has been and will continue to be worth all the time and effort that goes into making sure that it runs smoothly. It has been a positive influence not only on my life, but on others whose stories and experiences you can follow here as well.

So in essence this post is part thank you letter, part call to action. For those who have worked tirelessly with all the connected organizations, your efforts are noticed and forever appreciated. For those of you who have participated, continue to make a difference and share these experiences wherever you go. And for those of you who may not find yourself in either category, get involved or get out there! There is nature to explore!

STATISTICS REPORT UPDATE: "SCA GROWTH AND NETWORKING STUDY CF-2119"

It has just recently crossed over a year since the 2011 NPS Spring Break Academy took place in those high frosty hinterlands of Jackson Hole. Now I am in New Orleans, steeped in history and community every second of the day and just saving my energy for the next festival (Easter).
I have signed up as a volunteer at the French Quarter site of Jean Lafitte, and I have visited the other national park sites in the area (excluding Chalmette Civil War Battlefield). I have been applying like mad for summer positions, and have given an interview or two with much hope.
Also there are my academic things, which take up a lot of my interest and lifesblood, but I will omit remarks on that subject here.
So yes, now you see what the Academy has given me. Every place I talk to, I tell them what I had the privilege to experience and they are duly impressed. Many of the people at these parks tell me they probably know the people I worked with in Jackson, and I am getting quite a sense for the community of conservationists throughout this nation.

So a year later:
Do I keep up with all the people from the week-long Academy?
No. Not in any substantial way. Facebook friends who will hear me out on anything, I am sure.

Do I keep up with the people I worked alongside in the Tetons for the summer?
Yes. Excluding precious few, I keep up with them just like the other people in my life, and I would let any one of them stay in my home. A few have offered to share their home with me if fortune brings me to their town,  and this is a testament to the bond our experience created. Not just a bond, however. They are trying to help me into the park system... a stronger bond than short-term housing...
In his Republic, Plato compares the essence of Genius to a magnet pointing down from the Heavens. We never know who will be pulled by this magnet, but of one thing Plato is sure: like iron shavings, if one is pulled, it will reach out for another shaving close to it, and that one to its dearest and so on. Genius, and good will, and inspiration, can pull with that kind of limitless force.

Until I read that, I had no idea ancient Greek people knew about magnets.

Another important question: have I met new people?
Yes. Since then, I have met Evan Escamilla and conversed with Beth McCarthy and several others. I am constantly giving Betsy Moyer a thorough budget analysis of my two cents. The people are always new, but the mood is always the same. It is a good mood.

So, am I still inspired to chase a career in conservation? Do I still care?
Yes.

Will anybody ever see this?
Somehow I doubt it... but I thank my imaginary readers, as always!

LAST DAY

RIP my summer in the Tetons... RIP in photographs and memories, but stay alive in all the people who are still wandering around this world. I wish you all success and the Roman Candles which celebrate it.
There are times we are snug in, times we are gone from, times we only dreamt. They all have a feel to them that only a mind full of longing can truly feel, and I know my mind will come back to my summer in Wyoming like it returns to other dreams and words.

  A special thanks to Cecily, who kept me company during my last night and made some delicious fish. We really went out in style, and forced all the good sentiments we have picked over the summer, whortleberry-like, into one forceful jam that could not be denied. 

My Last Words

It's August 11, 2011. This day will make history. As I resort to my past time ritual of the last 12 weeks, the mountainous beauty of the terrain helps me contemplate all of the past, present and future. All thoughts lead to one thing, what is in store for myself now? The situation of uncertainty isn't a scary one, rather it's one of hope. Simply the answer is anything. One simple word, anything; anything, can happen to my path and I feel that's a great obstacle to face. From this day, the 11th day of the 8th month of 2011, I vow to live openly. Most importantly I'll live to be true to myself. I do not plan on carrying out this deed to be perfect, instead I carry this out to take the good with the bad. This uncertainty leaves a great path of how I want to facilitate my growth. I found my self worth, so now its time to ask these questions in order to continue with my legacy. These question in order to continue with my legacy. These questions shall only be answered by one entity, me. My coming experience will answer questions, end chapters, close doors but in sequence start new chapters and open more doors. Essentially I will contemplate my soul and listen to its youthful energy for answers. Is all of this actually real, when will I wake up to the epiphany? Time is far from short as well as distant from endless, let me soar above jumping from peak to peak so I can figure out this new passion.

From Mentee to Mentor!

A few weeks ago I got the chance to meet with 12 awesome students who were visiting from Chicago, Illinois. I got an e-mail from their Science teacher Nathan Dolenc who had learned about me interning here at Glacier National Park through Yosemite Park Ranger Shelton Johnson. These 12 high school seniors were from very diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and most of them had never been to a national park before. They had been raising money for this trip for a little over a year and had just raised the last bit of the $13,000 needed to come here only a week before their arrival.

I was very excited about meeting them and told Mr. Dolenc that I was looking forward to spending a day with them. Wednesday, July 27th we set out on a 4 mile round trip hike to Avalanche Lake and then once we made it to the lake the students began a mountain goat survey through Citizen Science. While they wee sitting down taking a lunch break I began discussing and sharing with them my experience here at Glacier and what it was like being one of the only minorities here. I also told them about the SCA/NPS Academy and let them know that if they were interested in a park service position that attending the upcoming NPS Academy would be an great option.

Some of the students had already decided that a career in the park service was what they wanted to do. It was so great to see the excitement on their face as they saw the diverse wildlife and beautiful mountains here at Glacier National Park. Their reactions reminded me of my first day here, when I was heading over to St. Mary and I stopped at Lake McDonald (GNP's largest lake) and I remembered thinking that I had never seen water so beautiful and so clear anywhere else.My day with the Prosser Career Academy students was by far one of my best and greatest experiences here. Sharing my experiences with them made me realize that I am now in a position where I can be a mentor to a young person.

Their teacher Mr. Dolenc is trying to make the trip to Glacier an annual one for the students at Prosser Career Academy. I think that this experience is important for kids in inner cities because it shows that their is another world outside of our concrete jungles where we live in. Trips like this will help them see that the opportunities are not just limited to whats outside our backyards or on our front stoops but their are a plethora of opportunities many miles away that should be visited and discovered.

WEEKEND JUMP NEAR DEATH CANYON

 Joseph plunges into the mighty depths.

I go in after him.

You can tell how cold the water is from my tortured expression, but it was so worth it.  I encourage all of you to do this before you leave.

It's my last weekend...

2o ft drop and not a care in the world baby, it's my last weekend. Imma do it big.

and some of my highlights were: a going away party on Friday, hose drills with E-3 on Saturday, and too many activities to list for today. I would say that my last weekend in the Tetons was well spent; it's sad to say that I'm leaving this place for some time. This weekend highlights my usual activities I do on a weekly basis, day in and day out. Honestly, this summer has been one big weekend. I'm not sure if I really worked for the last 500 plus hours I logged, it all seemed like play. As I say my farewells they are just "see you later's". I will be back, I'm determined. I won't take no for an answer, I've put myself out there and taken that leap of faith. Overall this summer has been a great experience. A few hiccups here and there but it made the experience even better! So as I leave this Friday it'll be hard not to look back, but I'll continue to look forward with my life and for next summer. Thank you to everyone who had their hands in bringing me back out to this glorious place. As I said the last day of the Spring Break Academy, "the Tetons have been my gateway to finally start with my life," and that still remains true to this day.

Contemplating the Tetons

9 short days, that's all the time I have left here in Moose, Wyoming. As we all rush to say our farwells and try to conquer the many adventures in our park, let us reflect on what we accomplished. 11 weeks ago I was thrown into a different world, no friends, money, car, or foresight of what to come.

I look back and see the amounts of friendships I've made. It took me no time to find my group of people and new family. Around the second week, I mauled over the thought of finally throwing off my shell and being determined to make friends. Luckily, I am still on this mission 9 weeks later. The money was never a problem, it's something you don't need in this wonderful place. There is no admissions fee for having fun in your own back yard. Hiking the Appex Trail or rock climbing in Boulder City didn't take a dime. I couldn't have stumbled upon any of these outdoor activities if it wasn't for the connections I made with my roommates and others. I do hope everyone has had a chance to set forth on their own adventure where they can find themselves submersed in a world of nature; full of greens, browns, blues, grays, yellows, reds and every other color of the rainbow, should easily describe the secret world we all so long for. I can now say not having a car isn't a problem. My mode of transportation is a mountain bike. Morning and night, I bike to work, from work, to the grocery store, to Jenny Lake and all the other attractions my legs will allow me to drive to.

Maybe a few weeks ago, I sat down at Windy Point Turnout and contemplated has this summer actually been beneficial. Did I waste 12 weeks of having fun on the beach to come here? I'll end with this quote, "I was once lost, but now I am found." That's my answer for you all and do hope there are similar stories out there for everyone else.

Till then,

Joseph Vaughn

Feet in Shoes

"You have brains in your head,

you have feet in your shoes,

you can steer yourself in any direction you choose.

You're on your own,

and you know what you know,

You are the one who'll decide where to go."

-Dr. Seuss

These shoes right here...man. During the short time I've been here at Yellowstone, these shoes have been my go-to for absolutely everything. I've done everything from attend squad meetings to play basketball at 6am to hiking Mt. Sepulcher in this pair of Chucks (and my feet have not yet forgiven me for the latter).

But in thinking about the seemingly unbearable wear that these shoes have survived over the past few weeks, and in coming across the above quote, I realized just how powerful my experience has been. And it's not just about the shoes. It's bigger than my size 13 Converses. It's even bigger than me.

We, the Academy students and all those we influence to be involved in the parks, are a new breed of people, a new strain of leaders who have taken our first steps in various parks this summer.

The Academy (and those who coordinated it) gave us the information about the parks that birthed these interests that we are now pursuing. They gave us the "brains in our head," and by giving us the opportunity for summer internships, they gave us the proverbial shoes for our feet. And for that, I am extremely grateful.

And going through the summer, with all of the different first time experiences, all of the lessons learned, and all of the possibilities in the park we have been exposed to, we have been allowed to choose what direction we will take this even after our time in the parks has ended.

But it's the end of the quote that hit me the hardest. After we finish this wonderful summer, it's up to us to continue to run with the baton. We were accepted into an Academy where we learned about legacy, diversity, and how those ideas could be advanced. And in some ways, each of us is on our own when it comes to how we spread that message in our own circles.

But with the lessons we learned at the Academy, the experiences we've had in the various parks over the summer, we hold a piece of the parks' future in our collective hands! We truly are the ones who will decide where the park goes. And it's amazing to see opportunities for spreading the word about the park pop up and chances to start or be involved in similar programs (Gimie!).

So I just want to encourage everyone to keep up the good work, keep going! Your sphere of influence and your area of impact stretches farther than you know. The legacy you'll leave is already even now being formed. And you are the one who'll decide where it goes....

LETTER TO MY CONGRESSMAN

Hello Mr. Burgess:

My name is Carl, and I have lived in Texas all my life.  When you were a doctor, you delivered my brother Eric in Lewisville.

Right now I am employed by the Student Conservation Association (with the National Parks Service) and have made a short-term home in the Grand Tetons of Wyoming. 

I am very concerned about H.R. 1581, especially now that I have seen these beautiful areas in the West and know that once they are gone they may never return.  Especially, it seems, if this bill sets that precedent. 

The best argument I have heard is financial, that jobs can be created while building roads and doing construction work in these areas: I feel that is not a valid reason to impair or do away with so much pristine land and wildlife. 

Those hypothetical jobs would be better left in the hands of conservationists-in-training like myself and my 30 peers with the N.P.S. "Spring Break Academy": a hand-picked roster of college students from all over the United States who are ready to share their passion for conserving our lands and sustaining our environment with the kind of leadership exercised by Theodore Roosevelt.

Between the outcomes of pollution and land depredation if H.R. 1581 does pass, there is also the potential for injury to the national parks of the United States.  These monuments of our shared heritage are under immense and unnatural pressure to prove their worth, or else be chiseled away by budget cuts and legislative action such as H.R. 1581. 

The N.P.S. is doing everything in its power to rejuvenate and diversify its work force so it can meet all federal demands while incorporating a much wider cultural variety in its staff and visitors.  In fact that is specifically why I and my fellow Academy students are here in our respective parks.  We come from all races and backgrounds, and we are placed all over the country right now. 

We have the privilege to train as rangers, firefighters, curators, scientists, administrators, all with a love of nature and a philosophy of conservation and sustainability.  We are putting all our potential into these pursuits every day.  We strive to attain careers in conservation with the skills and values given us by the N.P.S. and S.C.A.     

In the meantime, I ask you to not support this bill and assure you that these lands are too important to modify so irreparably.  Thank you. 

EVENING AT SNOW KING

CHAPEL OF THE TRANSFIGURATION

Monday at Noon

The stained glass at the Chapel of the Transfiguration is absolutely stunning. 
I went there today and felt some great unburdening tranquility.  Beautiful things like this
help me set aside my worldly troubles; and I can get so lost in the mosaic beauty of stained glass
in a way that no other visual art approaches for me.

From there it is 0.1 miles of walking to this complex of rustic historic cabins: Maud Noble cabin, smokehouse, and a well.  Very quiet and humbling out there.

Nara observes the historical vehicles of Teton's past.  There is a neat buggy that was one of the first generation vehicles used to give tours at Yellowstone.  Just thinking about those old days of crinoline, bodices, and dog mills... it's like taking a step into The Shining.

I met Heather here at the General Supplies store.  She sold me sarsaparilla and let me play

with her triangle.  There are a lot of interesting goods and artifacts in that house, including

some soiled pajamas and a chair made out of antlers.  Even Heather herself is

bedecked in fetching garments of yesteryear–by which I mean the 1800s.  

 

I recommend a trip out to Menor's Ferry and the Chapel of Transfiguration to all SCA people.  Heather is great to chat with, and you will definitely leave with an interesting thought in your head afterward.  

  

BRAVO, JOSEPH!

Pura Vida - Different Faces of Leadership

Today was the 3rd day of the Pura Vida program and I finally had the opportunity to spend more than an hour with the kids! After a short program about careers in the NPS to the TSS Field and Natural History group I jetted off to the Jenny Lake Rescue Cache at Lupine Meadows to find the kids rock climbing with George Montopoli and Phil Edmonds, Jenny Lake Climbing Rangers spotting the kids as they climbed. After a request and refusal by me to partake in the climbing I gave in after a chant of "Vanessa, Vanessa, Vanessa..." How could I say no! So with flat hat and all I successfully climbed the rock wall without any injuries. After climbing the kids took turns riding around in the wheeled liter with each one of them taking their turn in "driving." We all squeezed back inside the cache and we learned how to devise a pulley system in order to hoist Susie up towards the ceiling while in a rescue harness.

Shortly after saying farewell to the kids new best friends, George and Phil and taking our photo outside with the Tetons as the backdrop, we followed Nara to Lucas-Fabian Ranch. With all the snow this year a majority of the trail is under water, so we were prepared to get our feet wet. By "we" I mean the kids, I completely forgot about this portion of today's itinerary and of course had my service uniform on so got completely wet and have had to wear soggy shoes all day. Nara orchestrated a scavenger hunt for the kids to find Geraldine's grave site with GPS units, while explaining her story of how she got here.

I just got back from Gros Ventre campground where we played a game to learn about campground safety and the students began setting up their tents. Tonight a handful of NPS Academy students will join the students for dinner, campfire stories and camping. This is probably one of my favorite parts of my job, being able to get out and be a part of the programs that I develop. A great day was had for all. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!

VAYA CON PURA VIDA, SENORS Y SENORITAS!

The first meeting of Pura Vida, during which some kind of

"robot jive" dance was used to welcome Vanessa into the group.

Vanessa prepares seasoned jicama slices as Alfredo dusts

the flavorful Lucas dust off his hands at the first Pura Vida

picnic yesterday.

Joseph and Daniel drift across String Lake during a day

of hiking and discussion; of rain and sunshine; of the old and

the young; under trees and under areas without trees.

Pura Vida and Taggart Lake

Today I lead a group of seven middle school students around Taggart Lake in Grand Teton National Park along with Eric and three Teton Science School officials. At first, I was unsure of what advice I would be able to give to twelve and thirteen year old kids. I started off by introducing myself ofcourse and told them about my upbringing and asked how many of them had previously visited the park. I was surprised that many had indeed been to Grand Teton and all but one had done the Taggart Lake Trail. I then asked how long their parents have lived in Jackson and one said twenty years! It's unbelievable to me, coming from Texas that I would find a Latino population out here in Jackson, Wyoming. It is the coolest thing to walk around town being so far away from home and hearing people talking Spanish in the streets. I thought I left that part of the states back in South Texas but its right here in town. I was glad to be able to share some of my stories with these kids and hopefully I encouraged them to stay in school and study hard. We can be whatever we want to be as long as we try hard and keep the faith. I'm also proud to say that we completed a four mile hike and I managed not to lose anyone! Exciting stuff people!!

My Letter To Oprah...

I e-mailed tv mogul and billionaire Oprah Winfrey yesterday about my internship here at Glacier National Park. I was inspired to attend the NPS Springbreak Academy after seeing Yosemite park ranger Shelton Johnson on her show. I also became excited to learn more about careers in the park service and also to get minorities to visit national parks. Her is a copy of my e-mail:

Hello Ms. Oprah! My name is Ashlee Lee and I am interning at Glacier National Park in Northwest, Montana this summer. As an avid fan of your show, my mother and I thought it would be a great idea for me to e-mail you about my experience this summer. After watching your show with Yosemite Park Ranger Shelton Johnson, I was immediately inspired to learn more about a career in the National Park Service.
I am a 25 year old African American female from Atlanta, GA and my very first visit to a national park was in March during my spring break week from college. I was part of a program through the Student Conservation Association and the National Park service called the NPS Academy. This program was designed for minorities like meself who do not live in places with national parks to come out to Grand Teton National Park and learn more about the park service. There were 29 students total for the NPS Academy and we were from all around the United States. After we left the academy we were set up with internships for the summer.
I am currently in East Glacier in the St. Mary district interning as a park interpreter here this summer at Glacier National Park. I do believe that this internship has changed my life! Glacier National Park is one of the most beautiful places that I have ever been too! From the wildlife to the wildflowers this place is just stunning. The mountains are so beautiful and the water here is so clear! I feel absolutely honored to be here!
My internship as an interpreter includes a variety of challenging but fulfilling duties. I work in the St. Mary Visitor Center front desk, I also lead a guided hike and boat tour to St. Mary Falls ( a very popular hiking trail here in Glacier National Park) as well as conduct an illustrated program every Friday in the visitor center auditorium and the topic is one of the most interesting creatures here at the park-bears.
I am writing this e-mail to let you know that Ranger Shelton Johnson’s presence on your show changed my life. Your visit to Yosemite National Park changed my life! So if you’re ever in Northwest Montana please come and visit Glacier National Park and you will see why this place has changed my life.

Thank you,
Ashlee Lee

She responded back with this reply today:

Got your email.Thank you for watching the finale. I could feel your beating hearts, along with mine, through the TV screen.I'm off to take a little rest, and then I'll get busy working on OWN.Take care of yourself. I'll write soon.

Oprah

So maybe there is a chance that Oprah Winfrey could possible come to Glacier National Park this summer...who knows but we will see!

The Beginning of Pura Vida

Today was the first meeting of Vanessa's program, Pura Vida.  The children have just been released into the wilderness with Eric and Alfredo, and under a half-cloudy sky they are taking on their first adventure. 

This program is meant to create diversity within the park and an informed populace living outside the park.  I have looked at the schedule, and I think the lesson is there; but still it will take a certain exposure to both sides if kids who have lived in Jackson their whole lives are to understand what national parks do for the people of most American cities.  

I can't imagine growing up here.  I came from a flat suburban town and so I have developed a philosophy that one should grow up inside a blank slate with nothing but learning and social relationships to practice until reaching the days of adulthood when it is time to go see amazing things and meet lovely people.  Growing up in the midst of it all changes the whole game. 

As I ride my bicycle in the evenings, I look at the High School butte towering over the neighborhood schools and wonder about my best buddy from middle and high school days: how we would have leapt out of class and fled into that wilderness every single day if we had such a thing where we grew up.  Or maybe how we would have learned to stop seeing and thinking about these unique parts of a place so familiar to us.

It seems to me that these children must see past the splendor they are growing up in if they are going to appreciate it in true context.  They must be sent to Midlothian, Texas; they must be sent to Kansas, New York, and parts of Utah.  Then they will know who is coming to the Grand Teton National Park: and one look around these places will show them the air quality and the animals and the jagged horizons most people must do without every single day.

I know Alfredo will tell them about Texas, and the beautiful ocean stretching away from Corpus Christi.  His upbringing near some incomprehensibly vast monument of nature will be similar to their experience-- but who knows if any one of them has seen the ocean.  It may set their minds adrift a sea of possibilities.  I hope it does. 

Liz Putnam Encounter!

Soooo...I was working in the visitor center today, busy helping one of the customers find some trails to hike on off Going-to-the-Sun Road when the other SCA intern here hit me on my back. At first I was very irritated, but then he said "Hey Ashlee this is Liz Putnam" and I was literally star-struck!!!! She is so amazing and so lively and spirited! I thanked her and gave her a hug for just creating this awesome oppurtunity for me and all of SCA. I also met her daughter and son-in-law and she took a picture with me and the other SCA intern here named Austin. It was my BEST moment here so far. Just thought I'd share that with you guys! It's not everyday that you meet the founder of such an awesome organization!