16 Aug “Ah, bueno… Así Pos Sí”

I remember the days leading up to my departure to Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. My mom would be looking over my shoulder as I pack my clothes nervously thinking about all the horrids things that could possibly go wrong on the way to Idaho. My father would silently watch without saying a word, but I know based on the 20 years of knowing him that he is worried to the bone. At first, being away for the summer did not seem too bad. I was humming away at the thought of being a great Interpretive Park Ranger at Craters of the Moon aweing visitors with my great tour skills.Now as I pack each article of clothing into my suitcase I think about all the adventures I’ve had and fun moments that I experienced as being an Interpretive Park Ranger.

It definitley was not what I imagined it to be. It was an experience filled with worry, angst, and at the same time enjoyable. Worry because as I began to drive without my dad to Craters of the Moon there was nothing, but miles of plains and mountain to my left and right. “Did I make the right choice?” A timid voice in my head would say. Angst because I wanted to make sure that I was doing a good job and make sure that I did not let things overwhelm me. “Not a taco truck in sight…I hope I can do this tour later in the day.” Enjoyable because I have met some great people here especially my housemates. Each one has their own varying set of skills and personalities. “My housemates are so cool, I wish I had their talents.” They each have taught me something and most all provided me with a sense of companionship. Although there are some differences, at the end of the day these people are amazing. It saddens me to think that this will be the last time that I’ll see them so I’d rather not think about it that way. Instead, I look at it as a “see ya later” because I have a feeling that we’ll cross paths again in some way shape or form. I give thanks to many of the older Staff that have been at Craters of the Moon for a number of years. Most of them were a mentor for me, showing me the in’s and out’s of working with the NPS. They’ve taught how to interact with people and most of all be able to be mindful of how my actions might impact someone. By spending my summer in Idaho watching over the series of lava flows that forever flow in time, I feel a new sense of standing in my life. I have grown and gained so much knowledge in such little time. It has inspired me to continue working for the National Park Service and hopefully I will be able to contribute to the next monument or national park that I choose. It has been a great summer being here in Idaho and only the best is yet come!