(2021) Biggest Takeaway by Iliyana Smith

 By: Iliyana Smith (Walnut Way Conservation Corps)

My name is Iliyana Smith and I am an intern at Walnut Way Conservation Corp. Walnut Way Conservation Corp is a program for teenagers ages 14-18 who want to experience opportunities such as planting, pulling weeds, learning how to maintain a garden, and etc. It is a great opportunity for teens that are interested in growing their own foods, fruits and vegetables. Also, you get to meet great people such as Mrs. Kim, Mr. Tim, Ms. Jerrilynn, Mr. Jeremy, Mr. Fox, and many more amazing people. It is such an awesome experience and great opportunity for teenagers and the pay is great.

The biggest coming into internship was getting along with my co-workers and working in dirt. In the beginning of the program we all got along very well and always told each other how we felt about the day. Now it's a little different, we argue and disagree on a lot of things but we still get the job done and we work as a team. Although we may not get along I still respect them and appreciate that I had a chance to meet them. When we are dedicated to do a task we do it together and we are always on one page with each other. Another thing is we have learned to communicate amongst each other. That's why I am grateful that we can actually sit down and talk about when we were wrong about some things and apologize.

A fear that I had coming into this job was being in dirt with bugs and insects. Even though I strongly disliked pulling weeds and watering, it was worth doing. The aftermath was beautiful. It helped the crops grow and we were able to pick it and sell it at the market. Some things we grow in the garden are radishes, snapped beans, cucumbers, kale, mustard greens, collards, and much more. We also have cherry trees, we grow blackberries, pears, currents, and jostaberries. 

My biggest improvement I think I had was actually sitting down and listening to other people instead of thinking I'm always right about things. Another improvement is taking what I've learned and using it as one of my abilities. For example like putting money in my savings account and making a budget instead of just spending. Even though it was challenging for me to do it and kinda still is, I'm getting better at it. 

In conclusion I enjoyed being in the program and the opportunities and the experience.