The meaning of this post is encompassing everything from my very first post and how everything has come to a full circle.  This morning as I signed campers in I identified over 10 different types of birds as they flew overhead.  I recognized wing patterns and shapes as well as calls, which all gave me clues to which type of bird I was seeing.

In the very beginning of my work here, I couldn’t tell a cardinal from a Robin.  I honestly thought that because of the term “red robin” robin’s full plumage consisted of bright red feathers.  Boy was I wrong….and I would have never known that if it hadn’t been for working here.

<–American Robin   <–Cardinal

Did you know that dragonflies don’t have stingers? I didn’t! When I was little we used to have this above ground pool and I was CONVINCED that dragonflies used to sting me while I was swimming.  I never pictured myself catching a holding them, for any purpose.

<–Pond Hawk, My personal favorite dragonfly!

I also learned about the true purpose of a mission statement, and if your nonprofit is NOT following the mission statement, then you almost need to re-construct.  I learned things about myself and about my passions and I am so grateful for this opportunity!  If I could do it all over again I would, and I would continue to try to take advantage of every day as an opportunity for growth and development.

In the beginning it was hard for me to connect my beliefs and interests with the goals here at the Audubon Center, but I can truly say I have learned about the importance of connecting youth with nature and helping them to see the importance of their environment can provide them with viable skills to help urban youth combat opportunity inequality.  The GIAC really does work to create social justice through education of the youth that they mentor through the school year and into the summer. They have created a culture of caring and commitment with this community in which they are placed, and the growth that I’ve seen in each of these youth and myself, is awesome.

So I now am presenting you with the Audubon Swan! I am no longer the ugly duckling I spoke about in teh first blog post!!

<– ME!

“If you want peace, work for justice!” -Pope Paul VI

~Shelley, GIAC