19 Jul Pre Yosemite Thoughts

Unsure. Denial. Possibly the best three words that described how I felt before heading out to Yosemite National Park for my aquatic internship this summer. While I can’t deny that I am excited to start working in Yosemite this summer, there are still so many things that are up in the air before I head over. First and foremost, my spring quarter classes don’t end until mid-June, yet I move to Yosemite for the internship during Memorial Day Weekend. Thankfully, I was able to work with each of my four professors to make agreements, ranging from modified grading scales to having my supervisors in Yosemite administer my finals. Although I will be studying and writing essays in one of the most beautiful places, a much appreciated change of pace, I’m still nervous about it. Making these arrangements was surprisingly easier than I thought it would be.  I quickly realized that professors want you to succeed and take steps towards your future, and as long as it is reasonable, they will probably help you.

What am I doing in Yosemite? That is still something that I am not 100% sure of just yet and has been the source of my uneasiness. My general understanding is that I will be working as a part of the turtle crew, do aquatic restoration work, and help out with some of the California Red Legged Frog work. So while I don’t know the complete details just yet, I am still excited to see what will be instore for my summer, as turtles and frogs sound like a great time!

At this point, my internship is only a few weeks away and I just need to remind myself that this is what I am doing for my summer, to stay excited, and to know that it will not slip away in the next few weeks.