My Park Story: Paulina Gutierrez

Paulina Gutierrez smiling

Courtesy of Paulina Gutierrez

My name is Paulina Gutierrez and I graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a major in Evolutionary and Ecology Biology, a minor in Philosophy, and a certificate in Public Health. I was born in Mazatlán Sinaloa, Mexico but immigrated to the United States when I was three years old.

I am the Internship Program and Communications Assistant for Environment for the Americas (EFTA), a nonprofit organization based in Boulder, Colorado. EFTA is the home of World Migratory Bird Day and has offered internship opportunities to hundreds of youth and young adults within the National Park Service. In this role, I actively support various internship programs and manage our social media platforms. Currently, EFTA manages over 10 internship programs in collaboration with several federal agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and the National Park Service.

Environment for the Americas World Migratory Bird Day event Paulina hosted and organized with the help of EFTA staff

Courtesy of Paulina Gutierrez

EFTA partners with the NPS on four internship programs: Mosaics in Science Diversity Internship Program,Latino Heritage Internship Program, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and Saguaro National Park Diversity Conservation Corps. These internships provide valuable on-the-ground, natural resource science-based work experience within the National Park System for underrepresented college students and graduates ages 18 to 30 years old and veterans 35 years old and under in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields.

I am very happy to have the chance to work with EFTA not just for its focus on nature, environmental and animal conservation, but also because of our amazing partners like the National Park Service. I love contributing to the conservation of stunning national parks across the country. People ask me why I chose this field for my path, and that is always a simple answer. I have a deep love for our planet, and I am committed to preserving it and connecting with it every day.

My passion for the environment traces back to my early years, and it is all thanks to my dad. When I was between the ages of 5 and 7, my dad used to wake up me and my siblings as early as 4 o’clock in the morning, asking if we wanted to join him in the mountains to watch the sunrise. His favorite spot was Rocky Mountain National Park. Those mountains hold a deep significance in our lives, as they symbolize one of the reasons we left our country Mexico. Mazatlán, my birth city, lies along the Pacific Ocean on the western coast of north-central Mexico. I believe Mazatlán truly is one of the most breathtaking places on Earth. Mazatlán is not just the birthplace of my Mexican heritage; it is also where my extended family calls home. With its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, friendly locals, delicious food, enchanting islands, and sunny days, it is a place where unforgettable memories are made. Sadly, I can only make the trip once a year, but each visit leaves me with cherished memories to hold onto.

While growing up, I often wondered about my father's decision to immigrate to and settle in Colorado. Do not get me wrong, Colorado is undeniably breathtaking, but it is very different than Mazatlán. I only recently discovered the answer to this question, and it can be summed up in three words: The Rocky Mountains. He was captivated by the mountains, which is why he chose Colorado as our new home. At the sight of those mountains, he felt an immense pull to build a family and create a home here. And true to his aspirations, he lived his life to the fullest, ultimately breathing his last in 2016 here in Colorado. Thanks to those 4 am early mornings, I hold Rocky Mountain National Park so close to my heart. I am very fortunate to work in a place that allows me to visit these beautiful views. Each time I do, my thoughts are drawn to him, and I feel like I connect with him each time.

Left to right: Cathedral in Mazatlán Sinaloa Mexico; Sunset in Mazatlán, Sinaloa Mexico; Aguas Frescas at the Mercado of Mazatlan; Paulina's dad at Rocky Mountain National Park pointing at a bird; Alpine Visitor Center at Rocky Mountain National Park; Bird researcher at a bird banding center

Photos Courtesy of Paulina Gutierrez

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