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Ariana Ardell

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Ariana Ardell
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Ariana Ardell

Lessons Learned on the South Fork

Time flies when you’re having fun—something I’ve heard too often, especially as of late. And although it’s a cliché, this summer has proven that phrase true. My 10-week South Fork Initiative internship has flown by faster than ever. Soon, I’ll no longer be at Conant boat ramp, but driving 40 hours home to Northern Maine. And as I look back on my time spent in Idaho, I have so many great memories to reflect on! With memories, though, come lessons. Not only have I learned some new ones, but others have been reinforced through experiences out West. That being said, here are some of my favorite lessons learned on the South Fork. Don’t Fear Rejection! During my time at Conant Boat Ramp working on our outreach program, Morning Bites, my mentor Devan encouraged me to reach out to people first. Although this method started out slow, it became second nature by the end of the summer. Over time, I found myself more and more comfortable communicating with people I had never met before. Not only did I enjoy it, but it also allowed me to effectively spread information about the South Fork Initiative. By the end of my internship, I

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Ariana Ardell

A Swan Valley Summer

Before arriving out West, I prepared for a lonely summer in rural Swan Valley, Idaho. But in reality, I couldn’t have been more wrong. Hi. My name is Ariana, a rising sophomore at St. Lawrence University majoring in Environmental Studies and Business, with a minor in Asian Studies. I grew up in Northern Maine—five minutes west of the Canadian border—so rural environments such as Swan Valley do not feel too far from home, despite the forty-hour drive. This summer, I am working with my mentor, Devan Ence, with communication and outreach specific to the South Fork Initiative. It has been nothing short of fun! Meeting new people and forming connections has made this internship truly special—one that I will never forget. Stay tuned for my next blog post, where I will delve into a-day-in-the-life as a South Fork Initiative intern. But for now… What does a South Fork Initiative intern do in their spare time? Swan Valley has a population of 204 people, according to the road sign you see when you’re driving through. And although I come from a small town, the size of Swan Valley is nothing like I am used to. Before arriving, I assumed Swan Valley

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