As I sit at my desk, looking out onto the sunny backyard and arboretum trails, with only two days of service left, I am feeling the full weight of my experience here at Audubon Vermont. I have spent the last 18 months as the Education and Outreach Coordinator AmeriCorps Member, but what exactly did that title mean? I was a teacher, a friend, a guide, a leader, an ambassador, a writer, a photographer, a designer, and so much more. I enjoyed countless amounts of mud kitchen treats, held enough newts and frogs to last most people a lifetime, and enjoyed almost every single day of my service outside. The time I spent here; learning, playing, teaching, and exploring has been some of the most valuable in my life. 

I came in to my second term at Audubon Vermont with a confidence that was built over my first 8 month term here. I was ready to dive right back in to teaching weekly programs, leading fieldtrips, and lesson planning for camps. I took on new roles and began leading a monthly family program, with the aim to bring more families from the community to the center. I went out into the community and taught people of all ages about the wonders of nature. I built relationships with my students, my coworkers, and especially this place. 

There is something about working at such a beautiful center every day that invigorates my soul and feeds my love for the outdoors. Though many of the programs I taught were the same, each day was different. You truly never visit the same place here twice. Every time you visit, you will find something different, whether it be new tracks, newly arrived birds, migrating newts, or busy beavers building a dam practically overnight. It has been such a joy to be so excited to come to the office each day knowing that, in some way, it will be different from each day before. 

Without my service here, I never would have discovered my love for early childhood education. Prior to this position, I had never worked with preschoolers. Over the last 18 months, I have had the pleasure of teaching these tiny humans in a fully outdoor setting. There is something about watching a 3-year-old hold a salamander in their hands for the first time that is unlike anything I had experienced before. The wonder, curiosity, and joy on their small face is overwhelming. I have loved being able to foster their relationships not only with each other but with nature as well. Every creature, no matter how small or young, is an integral part of our ecosystem. Teaching children from a young age that their actions, behaviors, and feelings towards nature are incredibly impactful helps us to create stewards of the environment and start them on a path of lifelong appreciation and care for our world. I cannot express my gratitude enough for the opportunity to learn and discover alongside these children. 

As I reflect on these last 18 months, I am overcome with feelings of joy, gratitude, appreciation, and sadness. Though it is my time to leave this place, it is not a goodbye. It is a resounding "thank you" and "see you later". The things I learned here and the connections I made will continue with me as I begin my new position as a Lead Preschool Teacher at the Orange County Parent Child Center in Tunbridge, Vermont.

Thank you to all of the families who share their children with us throughout the year, whether that be for our recurring programs or for a one-time field trip. They have taught me more than I could ever hope to teach them. 

Thank you to everyone here at Audubon Vermont, who truly have been the most incredible team anyone could ask for. 

And so, after all this time, I leave you with a huge "thank you" and a sincere "see you later".