You always get something out of everything you do in life. When it comes to my job, I was really surprised I got it in the first place. I went into it with an open mind and knew I would learn a lot, but I didn’t think it would have as big as an effect on me as it does now.
I am the volunteer coordinator at the University of Idaho Sustainability Center. When I applied back in April, I knew I had the skills to do the tasks asked of me, but I really didn’t understand sustainability and I led a life far from it.
Coming from Sacramento, I really didn’t feel like making the extra effort to recycle something or sorting my waste would make much of an impact on the Earth. I saw everyone around me not caring, and it was so easy to fall into that habit. It also didn’t help that my family didn’t care either.
Now, working in an office where everyone truly cares about what they are doing and believes in the changes they can make has changed my own outlook about the environment. I can see how the efforts of a few can really impact more people, and can at least plant a seed in their mind about the little things they can do to contribute to sustainable efforts.
I planned our volunteer events for the first time and I really didn’t know how it would all pan out. I remember the first event I ever went on. We were picking up trash at the Spring Valley Reservoir outside of Troy for the Leave No Trace event.
Before the event, I was really dreading giving up my Saturday to go pick up trash. I don’t like trash in general, why would I want to spend three hours doing it?
But once I got out there and all of our volunteers were working, I snapped some pictures and started helping out. Soda cans had rusted over along with glass bottles, which had grass growing in it. We found bait jars and food wrappers from years ago. I was really unprepared for getting in the muck and water to pull out trash.
It was then that I realized how my outlook had changed. I was willing to do the work improve our environment. Now that my eyes have been opened, I look for the little things I can do to make a difference. I love my job and I love who I have become after working at the Sustainability Center. I have a better appreciation for the environment and I am slowly trying to nudge my family and friends into a more green direction.
For me, applying for this job was stepping outside my comfort zone. Now my comfort zone has expanded and gets larger every day. Don’t be afraid to take risks and try something new. You never know what you will get out of it.
Kaitie Martin can be reached at [email protected]