Shared by Nathaniel Taylor, as Guest Blogger.

People often say, with the New Year comes new experiences. In 2019, that phrase rings true for me in the most literal sense.

Just a few hours after celebrating the conclusion of 2018, I packed up and left my hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to begin an 8 month service program with the Virginia Service and Conservation Corps.

The magnificent view from Tye River Overlook at James River State Park

Just one of the perks of my job with AmeriCorps

From now until the end of August, I'll be serving at James River State Park. Through the course of the program, I'll be learning what it takes to manage a park and will be helping out in all aspects of park operations. It's an exciting challenge and is full of opportunities for personal growth.     

Now that I am a few weeks into my term of service, a neat realization has hit me, the learning never stops when you work in a Virginia State Park. 

I have started my time at James River State Park in maintenance, and while I have been busy learning the ropes in that area, I am discovering that nearly every employee is familiar with all departments and can easily step in to fill a role in a different department at a moment's notice. In fact, I have already experienced that myself. One morning while sorting tools with Maintenance, I received a call to head down to the Visitor Center to help out there. Now I am dividing my time between Maintenance, the Visitor Center, and the Contact Station.

The fact that you often get to do something a little different every day in the great outdoors is a fantastic aspect of serving in the field of conservation. 

I'm just beginning my time with the VSCC, AmeriCorps and James River State Park, and I couldn't be more excited for what the future holds.

-Nathaniel Taylor | Career Development Member

James River State Park

Editor's note: Each month we’ll be highlighting a different Virginia Service and Conservation Corps service member and their experience serving in Virginia State Parks.

The Virginia Service and Conservation Corps (VSCC) is an AmeriCorps program that engages members in meaningful service in Virginia State Parks and provides extensive training and professional development opportunities. The program’s focus is on improving public land and providing corps members the experience to grow into careers that support environmental stewardship. Numerous positions that suit prospective members' interests and schedules are available.

Learn more about the AmeriCorps program here.