The Impact of In My Backyard

When I first heard about the In My Backyard program, I was instantly intrigued. It seemed like the perfect balance of youth development and environmental stewardship, two of my greatest interests. When I was asked to interview for a Mentor position, I was excited but equally nervous. The program seemed like a fantastic opportunity to work with a passionate group of people who were working hard to inspire the next generation of stewards, and I wanted to be part of that. 

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Believe them when they tell you that plans change

Four years ago, everyone I knew thought I was bound for law school after I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree—I even thought that for myself. Three years ago, I knew I was going to law school. It was my one goal, the one thing I had figured out about my life for certain. I wanted to become a lawyer who defends people who are wrongfully accused of crimes and put on death row. Two years ago, I knew I would go to law school to become an environmental lawyer. One year ago, the thought of law school made me sick to my stomach. Presently, I know I will not be going to law school any time soon. One month from now, my time with In My Backyard will be wrapping up, I will no longer work in the legal field, and I will be starting a new job with the U.S. Forest Service.

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Brady’s Summer Reflection

When I decided to join the In My Backyard team this year, I knew I would get to work on subjects I care about, but I really wasn’t clear on what the summer would look like. I had a good feeling about the people in the program who I had spoken with, and I did my best to arrive in Seattle with an open mind. Coming from a much smaller town in Pennsylvania, living in the city alone took some adjusting in my first month here and it wasn’t always easy. Despite my new surroundings, I was instantly comforted by the warm personalities throughout the Klondike Gold Rush building – especially my fellow mentors and supervisors.

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