Pathways Newsletter

You never know how impactful a moment is until it’s over and all you are left with are the memories. It has been three years since I served with the Montana Conservation Corps as a field crew member, but I still think about those moments constantly.

I joined MCC when I was feeling lost and uncertain about what to do after college. I had this grand idea of being an environmental steward who took risks and explored the world, but I struggled to see myself becoming that person with the way I was currently living. At that time, I was frantically applying to jobs that filled me with dread, and I grew more and more depressed at the future I was seeing for myself. Joining MCC as a field crew member made me feel confident that I was on the right path. But it would also test me in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

During that term of service, my inner resilience was tested again and again. Over those five months, I discovered a lot about myself. I became aware of how self-conscious I was about my body and my physical ability, and I learned how hard it can be to live, work, and socialize with the same group every day. I also realized I had a fear of bears deciding my tent (and me) looked like a snack.

Yet these challenges became opportunities for growth: hiking mountains with thirty pounds of tools strengthened my body and confidence, learning to navigate conflict through one-on-one discussion built patience and compassion, and gaining backcountry skills helped me stay safe in bear country, even if the fear never fully went away. Looking back, each of these challenges shaped my sense of self and laid the groundwork for the patience, conflict-management, and resilience I carry today.

The hard moments were always balanced by moments of joy: driving to nearby hot springs and drinking hot chocolate; blasting music on the drive to town; splashing in the river; snacking on huckleberries and whortleberries; the goofy conversations; and the quiet moments of taking in the gorgeous views. In the final week of the season, an alumnus shared a message that has stayed with me: “You have suffered. But you are stronger for it.” I may have forgotten the aches and doubts, but I will never forget how much I grew.

That growth shaped my path. With my newfound skills, I worked as a park ranger and hiked more than 700 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Then, when I found myself craving continued learning and deeper engagement in my work, I returned to MCC as a Big Sky Watershed Corps (BSWC) member. This role let me lead projects, test watershed health, and engage with the local community, refining both my professional skills and personal goals.

Looking back, joining MCC was never just about doing conservation work, traveling, or getting in shape. It gave me confidence, strengthened leadership skills, an improved ability to navigate interpersonal conflict, and a clearer sense of purpose. Now, after my second term of service, I’m excited to continue with MCC as a BSWC member for another year, knowing that the mentorship, growth, and deeper fulfillment it provides are far more valuable than any paycheck.