Claire Crawbuck ’16
Winter internship: San Juan Island National Historical Park, San Juan Island, Wash.
Award: Blakely Fetridge Bundy ’66 Work & Learning Fellowship
Major: Environmental science
The root of knowledge: “I’m from San Juan Island. I have always had a passion for the environment and everything that it entails. Coming from the island, you are very aware of your surroundings and the impacts of what some may consider minor behaviors, so you learn to adjust your behaviors to help the greater good.”
A path to problem solving: “During my internship I mapped out water issues that occur on the trails within the parks. This involved hours of hiking and required the ability to determine the severity and cause for the water issues that were seen on the trails. I also helped to map out interactive educational trails that will be used by guests as part of the celebration of the park’s centennial.”
Familiar territory: “I sought out an internship at the national historical park because I would like to pursue a career in land conservation—specifically conservation ecology and restoration ecology. The National Park Service has many parks in the Pacific Northwest and the mission is to conserve land for the greater good, which is right up my alley. I am currently applying to many positions with the park service and hope that this internship experience will demonstrate my sincerity for a career with them.”
The thrill of discovery: “I love the constant awe that I still feel from exploring new locations on the island that I have grown up on. I am constantly finding new trails— especially while doing this internship—and stumbling across things that I didn’t know existed in my own backyard. These surprises are very humbling and help to show how there is so much more to be seen in the world than just ourselves. I know that no matter what I do in life I will always be taught new lessons from just experiencing what the world has to offer me. This internship was great because it went beyond classroom lectures and allowed me to put into practice what I have studied. It was a nice way to sum up my Wheaton career.”
Winter internships
Wheaton College’s Filene Center for Academic Advising and Career Services offers the Winternship initiative each year. It allows students to travel around the globe working in schools, health clinics, nonprofit organizations and corporate settings. Return to main page