Program: Associate of Science – Environmental Science
Co-op Work Placement: RDEK
I want to begin by saying that everyone I’ve worked with during this placement has been nothing short of a blessing to my life, my physical health, and my mental well-being. Over the past four months, I’ve learned more in my field than I have anywhere else in my entire work life—which began at the age of eight as a paperboy. This experience has only deepened my passion for environmental science and my love for the outdoors.
Chris, my park foreman, has been a tremendous influence. He’s taught me how to operate complex machinery, expanded my understanding of plant species and trees within Wycliffe Park, and helped me grasp the park’s unique geography. He showed me how certain plants and species thrive in specific areas due to Wycliffe’s rare combination of four distinct biomes.
Everything I had hoped to learn in environmental science, I’ve been able to experience in these four months. While I know there is always more to learn, I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished so far. Much of our work was done independently and without direct supervision, which pushed me to take ownership of leadership roles and hold myself to a high standard. I had to rely on my own judgment to complete tasks thoroughly and efficiently, always striving to exceed my foreman’s expectations. This greatly improved my confidence and independence as a worker.
I want to sincerely thank the Co-op instructors for giving me this opportunity with the RDEK. I’m so grateful for the chance to gain real-world experience in my field—and for a fantastic summer I’ll never forget.
Isaac M.