and how it aims to provide people of color with the tools and resources to become leaders while partnering with organizations and federal agencies. I feel like my experience at the Inyo National Forest has been such a unique experience where I have been able to learn more about the US Forest Service. Over the course of my internship, I have had the opportunity to learn about tool usage. My mentor has also done an amazing job with exposing me to the various departments of the agency; I have been able to join other teams and see what their days look like and what their job roles are. One of these experiences was joining the Range program for a day and going off roading to Birch Creek in the Inyo National Forest. Together with a local organization, Friends of the Inyo, and a group of volunteers, we were able to make and set up fences to protect a sensitive riparian habitat from exposure to vehicles and cattle. 

Additionally, I have been able to participate in multiple professional development experiences. In September, I received my Wilderness First Aid certification. And more recently, I was able to attend a history conference of the Eastern Sierras hosted by a partner organization, Sierra Forever, to learn more about the area I have moved to. A couple days later, I took a 4 day course to become a certified interpreter through the National Association for Interpretation. I am looking forward to continuing to foster relationships within the agency and partner orgs, future professional development opportunities, and seeing how these experiences inform the trajectory of my career.