15 Aug 214 Marte-Cruz, Over and Out.

Well friends, it’s sad to say, but after 82 days in Grand Teton National Park, 407.5 hours of working at the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, 9 Critter Chats, 7 Lakeshore Chats, 8 Explore the Preserve hikes, 8 Wildlife Patrols on the Moose-Wilson Road, 3 Ride Alongs, & many friends made, my time here as a ranger in Grand Teton National Park is finally over. Even though leaving here will be hard, I can go back home knowing that I, in some capacity, made a difference. I came here a different person, and am leaving here a different person. The experience I had working here was one of a kind, and I know that being here made me a better person altogether. I enjoyed every single minute of it and will leave with zero regrets. I will miss coming into work and will definitely miss my staff here. They have truly become my second family, and I know that my time here wouldn’t have been the same without them. Words will never be enough to explain how much fun I had during my internship and this goodbye is only an “until next time.” This experience has taught me many things, but if I took anything out of my time here it was to value every day. Sure that may sound cliche, but it’s true. Every day here was a new adventure, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. So, with that said, thank you to everyone who made my time here a memorable one. Thank you to my staff and family at the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve for being such a blessing in my life. Thank you to all the friends I made here who I shared many laughs with. To both my mentors who helped support me every day. To my “Mama Bear” and “Dad” for stepping in as my parents while I was away, and last but definitely not least, my partner in crime, roommate and best friend, Vanessa Carrillo for being such a great friend and sister. You all have a very special place in my heart and will forever be grateful for all of you. Ranger 214 Marte-Cruz, Over & Out.