By Emma Schwartz
Statewide Volunteer Program Assistant
Colorado Parks and Wildlife

It was October 2023, and I had just been hired to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Statewide Volunteer Program. I was greeted in the parking lot by my new supervisor, Becky. As a recent college graduate, I felt rather small and awestruck by it all. Even having my own tiny little office, affectionately referred to as “The Broom Closet,” was a significant accomplishment. I was intimidated by the vast and maze-like layout of the headquarters building (even now I could only tell you how to get to the mailroom and bathroom) and honestly felt overcome with imposter syndrome. Little did I know that I would accomplish things that previously felt impossibly large over the following nine months.

In simplest terms, my internship was an era of “firsts.” Some firsts were straightforward: first office job, first work laptop, first meetings. But in no time at all, I was encountering firsts that I never could have imagined. First time creating and facilitating a staff training. First time ice fishing. First time seeing the Sandhill Crane migration. First time realizing I could ask for things and receive an enthusiastic yes. First time people around me saw potential in me I had yet to see myself.

This is the beauty of CPW’s Youth Internship Program (YIP). I was provided a safe and supportive environment where I was not just allowed but encouraged to explore my interests and capabilities. I imagine most people can relate to the feeling of being young and fresh into their career and navigating feelings of doubt and inadequacy that come with it. Perhaps what I appreciated the most about my Youth Internship experience was that no one let me get stuck in these feelings. From my very first day, I was treated as someone who brought value to the team. My questions and ideas were met with sincere consideration and I could see the direct action they led to. This was a guiding principle throughout the entirety of my internship.

Over 6 months, I designed and piloted a Next Generation of Volunteers initiative within the organization. I researched, created, and facilitated a Meaningful Youth Engagement training for CPW staff. One of the models I explored during this process is known as “youth-led, adult-resourced.” While the purpose of my research was to apply these models to our volunteer program, it also perfectly reflected my own experience with the Youth Internship program. I was meeting with partners, drafting content, and coordinating with participants, but my supervisor and colleagues were always there to help make connections and provide guidance when I asked for it. This dynamic was just as consistent in the second part of this initiative where I coordinated a Next Generation of Volunteers Event at three different CPW sites across the state. I was the primary source of momentum for this project, but I knew I was never alone.

The Next Generation initiative will always hold a special place in my heart. It was deeply impactful as a young person, doing work in the interest of other young people, and being uplifted by mentors in every aspect.

As I write this now, my internship has ended and I gladly accepted another position with the same team. I no longer question if I’m supposed to be here. I have found my footing and I know that I bring valuable perspective and energy to my team and the agency as a whole. I also know that the connections I made during my internship will continue to support me on my career journey, whether or not it’s with CPW. That community security may be my favorite “first” of all.

I would like to thank everyone who made this such an amazing experience. To all the staff in different departments who made time and space for a random intern, they had no obligation to. To the Education, Partnership, and Volunteer team, especially Ginny Sednek, Mary McCormac, Jen Anderson, Shalana Gray, and Donna Forrest. To Jeremy Sifuentes, who gave me this opportunity to tell my story, and who has impeccable music taste. And finally, Becky Mares, for the truly unwavering compassion and support both professionally and personally.