My time as a Crew Member for the Angeles National Forest has so far been very pleasant and educational. At first, I was timid around my crew members. After getting to know each and every one of them, I became more open and comfortable with my crew. Our weekend field days have allowed me to get in touch with the public and become familiar with the land. We recently began our California Naturalist course with Maya Morales as our instructor. I am excited to read the handbook and hopefully learn things about California that I did not before. I also hope to find parallels between what I already know about California. My favorite part of the program so far is our weekend orientations. During this orientation, we visited Sturtevant Falls, Millard Falls, Crystal Lake, and the San Gabriel River's east fork. This orientation helped me bond with my cohort and get to know the Angeles Forest. 

Since starting the Field Ranger Program, I have thought more about my future and what direction I want to take my career. I have become interested in working in fire or law enforcement for a land management agency. I think this position aligns with my personality and personal goals. While I was at Crystal Lake, our crew briefly spoke with an LEO at the Angeles Forest. He spoke well of his position and he further interested me in that career path. I am broadly interested in regulation and compliance and would like to work in that field. 

Challenges so far in this program would mainly have to do with time and distance. In total, I drive 2.5 hours for work, which is more than I am used to. I have also been adjusting to the 40-hour work schedule, as this is my first time working in a full-time position. I think this program is great for students to get acclimated to a 40-hour work schedule. On the other hand, I like that this program is experiential and educational, giving us time to both learn and apply what we’ve learned. I feel that the Field Ranger program is balanced in that way. For example, we are given time to stretch in the morning, which is in my opinion, a necessary part of the day.