The transition from a relatively quiet suburban lifestyle to an altogether independent urban environment has been unique, to say the least. Aside from the obvious learning curve indicative of my transplant status, there have been several subtle nuances to metropolitan living that you simply don’t notice until you experience it. For example, while the Metro is easy enough to master – from its schedule to its direction – there is no way to prepare for the way people will force themselves past you to board or exit, or even along the escalators. You can study maps and schedules all you like, but there is one thing that you can never prepare for: the human factor.

The same principle can be applied on the job site. Certainly, I had an idea of what my duties would be based on discussions I had with my supervisor, but there remains the fact that it is impossible to fully prepare for being placed into such a new environment. Still, I suppose I should count myself as fortunate. While the rest of the interns here at The Washington Center put on their suits and are doomed to sit in meetings all day, I have the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air, sun, and every other perk associated with a position as unique as my own. This is not to say my day is entirely without responsibility, but more on that in a moment.

The first thing I’ve observed from my time at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center was the sense shared responsibility. Every person there does what is asked of him or her, and then some. No one is ever too busy to turn away my questions or to defer assistance. What that type of work ethic translates to is passion: the passion do what you love, and the capability to share that experience with every single person who passes through the doors. Everyone goes above and beyond their role, and the National Park Service is better because of it.

I am hoping to draw on such positive energy from my coworkers when working on the projects assigned to me. The first major assignment I have been charged with is to design a new slideshow to highlight the various exhibits in the Nature Center, specifically our “creature feature” animals. While it would be a simple enough task to list facts verbatim or use stock photos, it would be demeaning to the level of character present at my jobsite. As an interpretive media intern, it is my job to stir the emotions of the guest as well as to inform them. To accomplish this, I have been exploring the intangible aspects associated with the project in order to give our guests a lasting memory of their experience, not just an adaptation of something they could have just as easily found on Wikipedia. Later projects will include various types of tours and programming designed to promote awareness of the park (and conservation as a whole) as well as provide information to a wide variety of visitors.

The human factor doesn’t apply to work alone. It applies to personal relationships as well as professional. In a way, I suppose you could even argue that personal relationships are more valuable if only for the simple fact you can always leave work – you can’t always leave home. Because of this, I am actively trying to maintain a positive relationship with my roommates – something I’m quickly learning isn’t as easy as it sounds. It is a very difficult thing to put four strangers into a single apartment and ask them to get along. Personalities clash, arguments arise, and tension is inevitable. The true test of character comes in how you respond. It might be easier to fight, or ignore each other, but it takes empathy to actively try to understand where that person is coming from, and how the conflict arose. Only by communicating and working together can problems be overcome.

More than any other skill, the ability to work together is perhaps the greatest lesson to be gained from my time here in DC. Traditionally, I have always had difficulty when working with others if only for the fact that I had a tendency to try and assume a position of control or authority within my realm of influence. Admittedly, I fear that I came off as assertive – almost to the point of arrogance – to many people. While in DC, I’ve resolved resign myself to a more passive role – to listen, to ask, to learn. It will undoubtedly be uncomfortable, but it has the potential to be the most rewarding as well. Remember: every opportunity is a chance for growth. Every experience is a chance to learn. There should never be any excuse for failure to live up to one's own potential.

Until next time.