Usually, these conservation journals are supposed to revolve around one theme or topic. But for my final conservation journal, I wanted to talk about the many themes and experiences had while being a member of the Squam Lakes Association. I came to the SLA on May 20th and I had just graduated from college on the 13th. This left me with a stress filled week-long break of packing before starting my first environmental related service position. I was also preparing to live with 9 other people which left me with flashbacks of my freshman year college roommate who stayed up till 4 AM every night. I regret worrying so much because nothing became a reality. Our half term crew quarantined separately for the first 2 weeks and we were all expecting to combine with the 4 full year members. Instead, we stayed in motel rooms while the full year members lived out of the conservation cottage. This kept each of our bubbles protected incase anyone was exposed to COVID. I will always wonder how different this term would have been if Coronavirus didn’t exist, but I am so thankful I had the opportunity to serve somewhere during this time of unemployment.
Being able to designate the Lakes Region of New Hampshire as somewhere I lived is something I carry a lot of pride in. While lake hosting, boaters frequently reminded me that there is no point in finding other bodies of water in New England because Squam Lake was incomparable. The views, coves, beaches, clear water were all small parts of the lake that people loved. The town community here is also unparalleled to anywhere I have lived in my life. There is a lot of hustling and bustling on the weekends which kept the SLA busy, but I usually had weekdays off, giving me the opportunity to explore and interact with people from local hiking and eating spots. Soon after a few of these conversations, I understood the generational importance of this lake and I can confidently say that Squam is in good hands for many years to come.
The old “you don’t know what you got till its gone” saying was never truer in this time of my life. I quickly started realizing how many pieces of my life that I’ve been taking for granted. It was so reveling to me that I felt like a list had to be made.
Being able to live and serve in an area with such beauty year-round
Living an injury free and healthy life for the first time in 3 summers
Being able to drink clean water and breath clean air
Accessibility to many miles of trails + the entire White Mountain National Forest
Being able to interact with people (during COVID)
Getting experience during such high rates of unemployment
The list continues, but I think everyone should be aware of where they came from and how blessed certain people can be in certain situations. Being here has helped me gain more of an understanding of myself in the last 6 months than I realized in 4 years of college. Crediting that to the hundreds of amazing conversations and experiences with coworkers, locals, and passionate members of the public. What I experienced here can never be forgotten and I will forever hold Squam close to my heart.
Steven has truly come to see, with eyes wide open, the world for what it is. His experiences out in the White Mountains have been incredibly focusing, and while we are sad to see him go, we know he’s going where the trails lead him. You can learn more about Steven here!