How Internships Open Doors I Never Expected

I was 43 years old when I found out how internships open doors, Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge gave me that opportunity through the AmeriCorps/SCA internship program. At the time, I was still trying to understand where I fit within science, conservation, and higher education. I simply knew I wanted to learn.

After earning my first Bachelor of Science degree in Business with a focus in Environmental Sustainability, I found myself left with more questions than answers. I had completed the degree, but I still wasn’t sure what direction I was supposed to take next.

Finding Direction

One day, I came across an online posting for the Student Conservation Association and clicked on it out of curiosity.

That single click sparked an awakening.

I suddenly realized there were places where people could gain real field experience while continuing to learn and grow within the environmental sciences. I went through the lengthy application process and eventually found myself leaving Hawai‘i for Kansas to work at Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge.

Leaving Hawai’i

Hawai‘i was my home. I had worked hard to build a life there and had deep roots within the community. Moving to landlocked Kansas was a massive adjustment. I didn’t even own a car in Hawai‘i, but in Kansas, I suddenly needed one just to drive 30 minutes to an hour every other week for basic necessities. To cope with these changes, I made a point to reach out to my new colleagues and neighbors for advice, which helped me feel less isolated. I also created new routines, like exploring local hiking trails and attending community events, which allowed me to gradually build connections in an unfamiliar place. I joined a local gym and made sure to get a frappuccino once every two weeks in town when I would do shopping, lol. These practical steps helped me adapt to the pace and landscape of Kansas, and reminded me that building a sense of belonging takes time and patience.

More Than Work Experience

What I gained from the experience was far greater than I ever expected. I received heavy equipment training, earned my Red Card certification as a wildland firefighter, learned multiple methods of invasive species control, and gained firsthand exposure to how the federal employment system functions.

I also made meaningful professional connections with Kansas state representatives, regional leadership within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other professionals working in conservation and environmental science. Most importantly, I began to understand what educational path I would truly need if I wanted to pursue biology and environmental research professionally.

Open Doors I Never Expected

The experience opened doors so significant that I knew I had to continue. Each internship created new opportunities, new connections, and additional educational support through the AmeriCorps Education Award program. After completing two years of service through AmeriCorps and the Student Conservation Association, I had earned more than $14,000 in education awards to help continue pursuing the academic credentials I would eventually need.

Looking back now, those internships did far more than provide work experience. They reshaped the direction of my education, introduced me to people and opportunities I never expected, and restored a belief that it was not too late to pursue science seriously. What began as curiosity eventually became the foundation for an entirely new academic and professional path.