NSEA was the place that felt like home

By Justin Lamb
Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) crew and WCC Crew Supervisor
October 2004-2012,
Thirty for 30 #3

I suppose I didn’t actually choose NSEA at first. I had applied to the WCC crews and first had an interview for the City of Bellingham positions which they did NOT pick me. Can you believe that?!? Crestfallen, I later got a call from Isaiah Webb, who was the WCC supervisor at NSEA at that time, that he was still hiring and asked if I would like to interview. Well, let’s say from there things definitely took off. One year as crew member, one as assistant supervisor, and then 6 years as supervisor. Strange looking back on it, realizing it might not have happened. I suppose I had lots of opportunities to change crews or supervise somewhere else. But NSEA was the place that felt like home. I don’t think I ever really considered something else until I was ready.

After many years and lots of coworkers, I found myself saying “Maybe the work isn’t always glamorous or super exciting, but I always know that I’m making a difference. I’m doing good work, making the world a better place.”

My time at NSEA gave me a sense of confidence that propelled me to do some crazy things. After leaving NSEA, we packed up our lives to travel to Africa, work in Alaska and [now] have a baby!