Lauren Deaderick, current NWRA intern and past student intern at Chincoteague NWR!
One day during my freshman year at of college I was looking for a fun and interesting summer internship. As an Economics major, you may wonder how I stumbled on the Student Conservation Association’s website. Even today I couldn’t tell you the combination of Google search words I used, but I’m happy I did, or else I don’t think I would know about the amazing opportunities that surround me.
I was a part of the Career Discovery Internship Program last summer, a program co-sponsored by the Fish and Wildlife Service and the SCA. I was a visitor services intern at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and learned more than I could have ever imagined. Who would have guessed that I would know how to check the sex of a Canada Goose, teach kids how to surf fish, and give presentations on the Piping Plover? Honestly, if you had asked me a year ago if I would have done all those things in my lifetime, I probably would have laughed at you. But now, it doesn’t seem so strange.
I’m continuing my enthusiasm for the environment and the Refuge System by interning at the National Wildlife Refuge Association this summer and pursuing my interest in environmental policy. I wouldn’t be where I am today, with all the memories, experiences, friends, and guidance, without the FWS and the SCA. They are making stories like mine and shaping the future of National Wildlife Refuges across the country by actively engaging America’s youth and opening their eyes to the realm of possibilities that refuges hold for them. I cannot express how appreciative and excited I am to be a part of this new Vision for the FWS!
I’m looking forward to taking part in the on-line conference and all the incredible things that will take place that week!
Lauren Deaderick, Tufts University and Intern with the National Wildlife Refuge Association
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I’m so happy to hear that the Student Conservation Association is still providing students with excellent opportunities in Land Management Agencies! In 2000, I began my career with the federal government by being an SCA/Americorps intern for six months in Alaska. I still attribute my success in part to the SCA flyer I found in my college biology department back in 1999. I hope the US Fish and Wildlife continues to utilize partnerships with great organizations like SCA!