Imaginary Interviewer: So Virginia, you’ve been with AmeriCorps for… four months now?
Virginia: Four and a half, actually.
Interviewer: Of course. In that time, what would you say has been the most stressful moment for you?
Virginia: I’d have to say the start of diving. Having never dove before, all of the equipment was very foreign to me, even after the training. And with that, the actual diving. While it was a ton of fun, it was extremely stressful for me in the beginning.
Interviewer: Why was that?
Virginia: When you’re pulling up milfoil, an invasive species in Squam Lake, you have to make sure you get a majority of the root crown. The thing is, to do this you end up stirring a lot of the sediment and murk from the bottom of the lake. I didn’t realize just how much not being able to see what I was doing would mess with my head. That being said, once I realized I was able to move three feet in another direction and could see again, my anxiety drastically decreased. Diving became way more enjoyable after that.
Interviewer: Well that’s good to know. Many people wouldn’t have been able to stomach that, much less push through to keep diving for the rest of the summer. What do you think helped get you to a more comfortable level?
Virginia: I actually had this realization at one point during a discussion with my supervisor this summer. My goal, per se, has morphed into learning how to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Interviewer: What does that mean to you?
Virginia: It’s easiest to explain with an example: imagine you’re out hiking, carrying awkward tools, and doing trailwork. It’s about 55 degrees, and utterly pouring rain. This isn’t exactly the most enjoyable conditions for many people, especially if you aren’t prepared for the weather. But… you remembered your rain gear, had the proper layers, like the person you're working with, and got to experience a new trail in a new way. If you prepare for the uncomfortable, it becomes so much easier to handle it when it comes. And it will come, especially with this job! *laughs*
Interviewer: *politely chuckles*
Virginia: But genuinely, it has made it a world of difference for my mindset during the term. As long as I’m prepared, I’ll be more or less okay nine times out of ten.
Interviewer: So what I’m hearing is… you chronically overpack.
Virginia: That is correct. But if I’m warm, dry, and not hungry, I’m willing to carry more.
Interviewer: Well, I can’t argue with that. Have you had any other experiences with invasive species working with the Squam Lakes Association?
Virginia: Oh I’ve had plenty. I may as well name Oriental Bittersweet as my lifelong nemesis at this point. Our campus is in the progress of trying to remove it and other invasives from the grounds, and we frequently host volunteer days. So if you want to come and pull some ridiculously large root systems out, this is the place to be!
Interviewer: It’s great to hear about all the progress being made, both for you personally and the SLA. What are your plans for after the term ends in less than a month?
Virginia: Don’t remind me about the end! I’m going to miss all of my now friends a great deal, even though I know they’re all going on to do great things. As for myself… this won’t be my last time talking with the Conservation Journal Media Group. I will be coming back to the SLA for a full year term starting on November 1st. I’ve enjoyed my time so far, and I want to experience even more with the place I’ve grown to love.
Interviewer: Fantastic! We look forward to hearing more about your continued time there. Thank you for taking the time to talk with us today.
Virginia: Thank you.
The Squam Lakes Association staff are exited to have Virginia stay with us for another term! Her knowledge of the organization and of NH winters will be helpful to the rest of the SLA’s full-time team, who will begin in November. Learn more about Virginia here!