In the summer of 2021, I embarked on a journey with Walking Mountains as a seasonal Summer Naturalist. Little did I know that this adventure would eventually lead me to the Foley Graduate Fellowship. The fellowship is a two year program where educators live and work at Walking Mountains in order to obtain their masters of science education, free of charge. While participating in the program, they are our main staff for the field science program, and summer camp. This opportunity caught my eye when I searched the organization’s website. As I eagerly accepted the Summer Naturalist position, the dream of becoming a Graduate Fellow lingered in the back of my mind.

 

As I immersed myself in seasonal roles, first as a Summer Naturalist, then a Winter Naturalist, and finally a year-long Lead Naturalist position, I continued to nurture the idea of the Foley Graduate Fellowship. For two years, I dove deeper into the program by shadowing field initiatives and integrating with current fellows and leadership. Plus, I had the opportunity to live alongside fellows, who showed me a great deal of patience while I asked them every little question that popped into my mind about the program. Yet, even with this prior exposure, the program has still found ways to surprise me, even after the nine months since I started. 

 

My teaching experience has been a whirlwind of learning and growth. From the lively and unbound atmosphere of summer camps to the structured routines of school programs, the Foley Fellowship has introduced me to diverse teaching environments and styles. Transitioning from middle school one day to kindergarteners the next brought on a sense of whiplash. In these moments, I have discovered the true breadth of my capabilities.

 

Trisha the Trout- Thistle and a Bee

One highlight of my journey was during our school program Thistle and a Bee. In the photo, you will find a group focused on the story of Trisha the Trout. This is one of my favorite sections to teach because it captures the hearts of these first graders. They feel a profound sense of empathy for our fictitious fish, leading to a heartwarming level of curiosity and self-reflection in our students.

 

Reading a story during lunch time for First Grade- Astonishing Adaptions

The Foley Graduate Fellowship has immersed me in intensive training for our school programs, teaching four to five days a week and constantly expanding my knowledge with the new curriculum. The plethora of names and faces is a testament to all the hard work. The skills I am gaining are nothing short of amazing, from the art of finding fossils and convincing kindergarteners to sit still while they eat their lunch with a story (pictured above) to balancing a full-time job while being a full-time student. 

 

The demands of graduate coursework have added another layer of complexity, making every day a unique challenge. However, reflecting on this wild journey, I wouldn't trade it for anything. The camaraderie with good people, the beauty of the house I call Pete, the joy of playing tag as part of my work routine, and the shared love for snakes (pictured below). All of these elements combined to create an unforgettable chapter in my life. I can’t wait to see how the next year and a half unfolds! I  am sincerely thankful for everyone involved in my journey to get here. You know who you are!

 

Holding the snake of a fellow nature nerd at Wild West Days