volunteering in Olympic
Summer 2004 at Olympic National Park: My Volunteer Experience
When I first arrived on the Olympic Peninsula, after traveling nearly 6,000 miles from my native land of Slovakia, I was unsure of what to expect. I arrived the first morning, for work, jetlagged and overwhelmed, and was introduced to my coworkers and future friends, the Wilderness Resources Crew. I decided to volunteer for the Park Service for many reasons: to visit beautiful places, to improve my English language skills, to learn to cooperate and communicate with people in a new and different culture.
My summer volunteer experience allowed me to pursue all of these goals and more. Through many days of trail inventory, G.P.S. data collecting, data entry, and revegetation work, I found myself communicating easily and well with my coworkers. My English language skills have greatly improved over these three months. I have seen many beautiful sunsets over the Pacific Ocean, glaciers hugging beautiful mountains, and the clear turquoise water of Lake Crescent. I have earned trust and friendship with my American coworkers, who didn’t mind sharing a tent with me after 5 days of not showering, laughed at my language errors with respect, and played great games of ultimate Frisbee.
I got wet, cold, tired, and hungry this summer, but I would do it all over again. I have gained invaluable life experience and so many beautiful memories. I would like to thank Olympic National Park and my supervisor for giving me this great learning opportunity. The Olympic Mountains will always hold a place in my heart.
Martin W.
Slovakia