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