SLETP Midway Point

I have endured six weeks thus far, two of which have been six-day weeks with six more weeks to come before graduation. Time is flying by this summer. I find myself getting into good routines in terms of eating, working out and sleeping which is helping me to excel. My academics are in good order and I am training to get a fitness award by the time graduation rolls around. I am looking forward to getting to the firearms training in the coming weeks.

Until next time.

First Week of Maintenance

We are all now three weeks into our internships. The first two weeks were spent with interpretation and the last has been spent with maintenance. I have thoroughly enjoyed this past week working with maintenance. My schedule has shifted from a 9-530 day to a 7-330 day. By moving two hours of my workday from after lunch to before lunch the day goes by significantly quicker. In addition my daily activities in maintenance keep my mind and my body more engaged then my activities in interpretation. I have been with the gardening crew for this past week pulling weeds, pruning and trimming bushes and shrubs and planting flowers and new shrubs. I have learned much in this past week and have been able to take home a seedling of a ginko tree. This coming week I will be working with the painting crew and then the custodial crew. It promises to be another week that will fly by. Pictures and videos to come.........

I have just completed my first two weeks of interpretation. During that time I learned much about the history of the city I live in and was able to visit every building at the site. I was able to shadow two rangers on their daily grind and see firsthand how they deal with issues that may arise. Their decisions will undoubtedly shape my future interaction with people within the park. As Steve had suggested, I have encountered some animosity once individuals discovered that we would be given the opportunity for a non-competitive permanent position. I have tried to deflect this negativity and focus on the myriad other positive relationships I am beginning to establish.

Until next time!