This internship with NSEA changed my life

By Sarah Lane
Former NSEA Intern
30 for Thirty #13

Who would have guessed a two- year internship would steer the direction of my work and life? I worked as the administrative assistant intern from 2004-2006 and volunteered with fundraising committees several years after.  What a job! From fundraising events and writing grants, to producing newsletters and working with board members, I gained skills from that job that I have taken with me to every job since; but, the most important thing I've taken with me is the need to work for a reason with and for my community.

 I had the privilege of working with both Wendy and Rachel who guided staff with clear dedication, sometimes tough feedback, and lots of joy. After being part of a group that seeks to do its best work, works hard, and has fun as it meets a mission, there's not really any other work that appeals to me, and I'm grateful for that.  It gives me hope in trying times to continually find company with dedicated and passionate people.  

 Some of the work at NSEA was time volunteered. There's a theory in nonprofit work, of the slippery slope of volunteering time to the organization that pays you, but balance is also a good thing to learn, along with gratitude and giving back. It was more of a gift to me, in the end, to have spent some time learning to teach, shaky knees and voice and all, exclaiming over the squiggly macro invertebrates in a tray with elementary kids in the rain, and helping with the Liam Wood flyfishing class.  

 Now I teach people to flyfish, and am still sharing the science, art, and ethics of the awe- inspiring sport. I'm still doing administrative support with a mission, working with the Methow Watershed Council.  

 Being able to share with others passion and a mission- mindset is a wonderful thing. Community finds YOU, once you've started on this path. We all have our different missions, and we encourage, support, and challenge each other.  And we need that more than ever. Thank you NSEA.

#13 THIRTY FOR 30

NSEA made an impact beyond the classroom.

By Carolyn Davis
NSEA Board Member
30 for Thirty #12

As a kid my family often spent summer vacations fishing for salmon off the coasts of Northern California, Oregon, and Washington. My dad allowed me to drive the boat because I would get seasick otherwise, I loved those adventures catching and eating salmon.

As a fourth-grade teacher (now retired), participating with students in NSEA's Students for Salmon program was an annual highlight.  I taught at the Lynden School District 15 for 35 years, and Bernice Vossbeck Elementary for 15 years. It was important to me that students learn to respect our environment, including salmon and our local watersheds. I loved watching students get excited as they attentively listened to NSEA mentors, tested the water quality of the local stream, learned about native plants, cleared invasive ivy, and planted shrubs and trees (which are now mature and thriving). The kids loved these lessons, and became better able to understand the need to be good stewards of our Earth and its resources. It made an impact beyond the classroom.

Some years the fourth graders were able to plant along Fishtrap Creek. It is wonderful to see those seedlings and shrubs at 12-20 feet tall. My students made a difference.

Now I am a proud NSEA board member...delighted to watch programs adapt to a pandemic and continue making plans to educate our community and to help salmon thrive in the future.   

In the words of one of my heroes, Jane Goodall, "Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference." I hope I can make a positive difference by continuing to work with NSEA.

#12 THIRTY FOR 30