If you are inspired by the reflection of the sky in frozen ponds, have your breath taken away by the swoop of a raptor, or are excited by the wisdom of children, you might find your place at Eagle Bluff, as an Environmental Education Fellow.
Picture this, singing in your loudest voice in the dark, a campfire lighting up your face. Stars lit up, making you feel small. That’s one of the many things about this job that I love.
I wake up every morning excited and ready to be inspired by the land and the students that come here from all around Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Putting on a number of layers and having my first aid kit take up a considerable part of my backpack became second nature.
We’ve all been here for less than half of the year and I know, and can see, that each of us have grown in our teaching abilities and comfort with each other. I can walk into a space and feel welcomed and energized by my coworkers, even when we are outlining for class after hours.
Sometimes there is nothing better than that face a student makes when they aren’t bored or confused, but they get something, legitimately understanding a concept that they’ve been struggling with. That face alone makes the job worth doing.
Walking with fifteen students behind you, in rain, snow, and sunshine, leading them over hills and past the river, challenging their preconceptions and growing together.
One of the best parts of this job is not being alone, in our living situation or in the preparation for the classroom. Besides our cohort of Fellows we have an incredible resource of experienced educators who train and mentor us to do our best. Whether it is a conversation over lunch or a quick chat with our Fellowship Directors, I’ve never left feeling more confused, only more empowered to take on the challenge in front of me.
Finding a team, one that lifts you up and keeps you honest, encouraging you when you are down, reminding each other of our responsibilities, and to take a deep breath when we need it.
Why would you be a Fellow? Well, why not?
