Emma returned this summer for a second season with EcoCorps, this time as a crew leader. As an environmental science major at Northern Michigan University, Emma enjoyed getting hands-on and applying her studies in the field while developing leadership skills. She also enjoyed the opportunity to share what she had learned during her first season with EcoCorps.

“I saw crew members grow in responsibility and confidence in their skills. At the beginning of the season, I was teaching them new things, like how to build stairs, how to use a drill, how the batteries work. By the end, I saw them teaching someone else. That growth was amazing.”

Emma also grew this summer. She found another way to lead that worked for her. “I learned that it’s okay to step back and let them work while I figure things out logistically and supervise instead of doing all the hardest work. I realized there’s another approach that’s not just to dictate or work as part of the group. Now I see there’s a third option.”

Emma hasn’t decided what her career will be yet, but thinks it will either be in environmental work or working with children. She recommends EcoCorps to others who are interested in learning about the outdoors. “You’re going to grow so much (learning about) power tools, woodworking, trail building, plants, rocks, even the sky. So many people are willing to teach you things. It can feel like school sometimes, just learning so much from all these different people. If you’re open to learning, you definitely will. It’s a great environment.”