Lea Sampsell

Rocky Mountain Youth Corps’ burgeoning internship program engages youth and young adults in valuable work experiences within natural resources management agencies and non-profits, facilitating employment with related jobs and careers. Partners include the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Colorado Youth Corps Association, and other agency and non-profit partners. Upon completion of at least 640 hours, interns also qualify for the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority, giving them priority hiring when applying for USFS jobs. Below, we catch up with intern Lea Sampsell for her take on the program and how it’s helped her subsequent endeavors.

Current title: Boundary-marking Crew Member, Conservation Corps North Carolina

Background: I am originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia. During my time there, I loved participating in school music programs and engaging in outdoor activities. I have two bachelor’s degrees, one in International Business from Old Dominion University and one in Conservation Science from Arizona State University.

What did you do during your college summers?

When I first started college, I played tuba in the marching band, so that took up a lot of my time in the summer. During all of my years in school, I worked full-time in restaurants and did as much traveling as I could. Some of my favorite trips were to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

How did you hear about the RMYC Internship program? 

I found the RMYC internship program through Handshake, which my advisor at Arizona State recommended to me. I applied to many different programs all over the country but was especiallythrilled to be offered a seasonal position by the Forest Service through RMYC.

What all did you learn? 

It was the most amazing experience of my life. I met some phenomenal people and saw incredible scenery every day. I learned all the ins and outs of how the Forest Service operates, particularly for the recreation department. I also had the opportunity to witness how all the different departments work together to achieve the organization’s goals while working to serve the community. I learned the processes of maintaining and surveying recreation areas and how to use various types of equipment necessary for forestry technicians.

How did it help prepare you for your current position? 

RMYC prepared me tremendously by offering me experience working outdoors under all different types of weather conditions. I feel more comfortable with general field work after being outside all day, every day during my time with RMYC. I also have more confidence in my ability to step out of my comfort zone and adapt to ever-changing conditions in work environments. RMYC also helped connect me with people who have experience working with different conservation corps throughout the country, who pointed me in the right direction for finding my current position.

Any advice for other RMYC interns? 

My biggest would be to go in with an open mind. At first, I was nervous to spend several months away from home in a remote area doing unfamiliar work. It ended up changing my life completely in an overwhelmingly positive way, and the most challenging days ended up being some of the greatest learning experiences. Also, invest in good work boots!

Any plans for the future? 

I would love to eventually work for the Forest Service as a permanent employee. I also plan to spend a lot more time in the Rocky Mountain region.