Pleasantly Surprised: scientific musings 101

By Aliesje King,
Graduate Student

Amazing, I survived my first semester (or what-have-you) of my graduate education. This includes taking my first science test in ten years, a wondrous trip to a cabin (not-my-own) in the woods with my fellow classmates and instructors, and successfully completing my first scientific research compilation and presentation—–water quality analysis, baby! Who would have thought that this would be where I would end up: standing in a stream clad with second-hand store waders and big old black boots testing the turbidity of a stream? This was not what I had planned to be doing.

Those of you who know me know that it was quite recently I discovered I wanted to be a scientist. What a hilarious reality for a twenty five year old to discover. I was well on my way to being a social service advocate; my family pushed for a career as a counselor or a school social worker. There was obviously a divergence from this path as I reflect on the last three months. How strange, to be tucked away in a little cabin in the middle of the mountains. As a kid I wanted to please the masses through song or theatrical performance, now I dream about staying away from the masses tucked away in my own little cabin in the woods. Curious how life moves and shakes you to new and exciting places, and turns you into a new version of yourself.

My time at TSS proves to be an exploration of who I am and how I want to be: as a professional and a person. My fellow classmates and instructors challenge and enlighten me. When I am not in class myself, I am teaching others. I have taught high school students from near and far about the glorious eco-system of which I am a part. They were present when I saw my first grizzlies: four beauties enjoying lunch very near where Ansel Adams took his famous picture of the Tetons. We have moose visit our campus weekly, and had such a privilege of seeing a small gathering of 13 one afternoon.

For class students and I hike through the snow and explore the wilds around us. This includes highlights such as going to a glacial lake and examining fire ecology, as well as watching mule deer and elk run through the changing weather. A group of high school students came from Iowa and rocked my world with their enthusiasm for learning. Another group came from Casper, WY and reminded me so much of a younger version of myself and I was so thankful for the opportunity to learn and teach with such inspirational beings. Perhaps being a teaching naturalist and being a social service worker are not so different after all.

So as I conclude this first segment of my TSS time I am awed by what this late 20-something year old woman is doing starting her life as a naturalist, a scientist, yet continuing in what she has known for the past 10 years: a social scientist. The snowfalls out side my cabin window, another season of learning and teaching is underway. Awe fills my being, I am glad and grateful, my time here challenges and strengthens me: my longstanding self and the new evolution as well.