After spending a week at T.R.E.E.S this past summer, I feel that I have grown as a student, a scientist, and a person with the T.R.E.E.S directors and staff’s help. So many wonderful memories made despite having to confront a lot of fears and personal limitations…I am certainly more of a “city-girl.”  But I honestly did end up enjoying myself! I decided to come on this trip to challenge myself and I feel that I came out of it with even more than I was hoping for: friends, fun, once in a lifetime opportunities and unique stories.  I am planning to continue into a career that involves mainly educational programming and outreach. The opportunity to conduct the community survey with T.R.E.E.S was an invaluable experience that reaffirmed my interest in that type of work.  Conservation requires community support and support comes from interest instigated through knowledge.  We can really make a difference and that is heart-warming to see and take part in.