Written by Brooklyn Williamson, 2024 Water Testing and Events Intern

As a current college senior, I, along with my peers, am often asked, “What’s your post-grad plan? Where do you want to go from here?” Sometimes, it feels like my answer changes every week. It’s hard to figure out what to do after only knowing how to be a student. Lectures, labs, and homework can only do so much when preparing to step into the workforce. In my junior year, I knew I needed to acquire some experience in the environmental field—to test the waters and see where I might fit in. 

Finding my internship through Friends of the Big Sioux River was perhaps one of the most influential experiences in my college career. Upon being hired, I remember feeling incredibly nervous that I wasn’t prepared for the role, and I didn’t want to let anyone down. While friends, family, and instructors assured me that I was ready, I felt the weight of imposter syndrome pulling me down as my junior year came to a close. Luckily, that began to change when I started my internship at the end of May. Working in conservation can look very different depending on where you are and what you’re working for. FBSR gave me the opportunity to see many sides to working for a small environmental non-profit organization.

I spent time in the field collecting water samples. I worked with kids outdoors and witnessed their love for nature grow. I sat in on meetings with donors and collaborators, and I had a lot of fun doing it all. I learned as I went, which was often daunting but incredibly rewarding. I was lucky enough to have two fantastic mentors whose passion for their work was always motivating and inspiring. Every day gave me new confidence in myself and my skills, and I ended the summer feeling proud of the work I did and grateful for my new perspective. The possibilities of post-grad work became more exciting than scary, and I discovered how passionate I was about water quality and working within my local community.

With only one semester left, I definitely feel the pressure of deciding on my next steps. However, I feel emboldened from my experience at FBSR. Most of my peers have had internships and research opportunities similar to my own, and as seniors, these experiences are immensely valuable. They aren’t just great resume builders. They help us discover where we want life to take us and what we're truly passionate about. In the environmental field, most of us aren’t motivated by getting the highest-paying job, and the opportunities that lie ahead are often endless and diverse. We all know the world needs people to restore and protect resources and be change-makers and leaders. I am incredibly grateful that FBSR taught me that I can be one of those people. 

You can help to make a difference in the lives of future conservation leaders like Brooklyn in our watershed community! Your gift today will impact tomorrow’s Big Sioux River stewards. Donate now at fbsr.org/donate.