Around Valpo’s campus are labyrinths. Much like a maze, these elaborate pathways have many twists and turns. Yet, every step forward brings you closer to the center. My academic and professional journey has been anything but linear, full of twists and turns! More importantly, it has been full of lessons. My time at Shirley Heinze Land Trust through the CAPS Fellowship program has been no exception to this. During my internship, I’ve pondered many of the questions posed at its outset. The foremost of these inquiries has been, “How can I connect my work to the needs of others?”

The answer to that question has not always felt close; but it has become clearer through the
most unexpected, grounding, and profound experience in conservation as a CAPS Fellow. Every week, I had the opportunity to learn from conservation professionals whose careers have shown me just how interdisciplinary this field truly is. Alongside restoring habitats and protecting natural spaces, I’ve grown to understand the business strategies that allow conservation organizations to fulfill their missions. I found meaningful applications for the skills I am gaining in my undergraduate studies, including the power of storytelling. As amazing as the mission of advancing conservation is, it’s only as impactful as the people who hear it, identify with it, and support it. Through marketing, grant management, and data analytics, nonprofit organizations like Shirley Heinze attract the support they need to continue expanding their community impact. That is something I can actively contribute to.

Perhaps the most meaningful lesson I learned this summer was how to let curiosity guide me through unfamiliar territory. Coming into this experience, I brought a love of nature, service oriented work, and analytics. I never imagined a career existed that could bring those passions together in a meaningful way. As impactful of an experience as these last few months have been, I would never have pursued this opportunity if I had stayed in my comfort zone. If I had carved a traditional path for myself (college, major-focused internship, networking, full-time job), I would have missed out on the extraordinary gift of the unexpected. Instead of trying to course correct, or find a straightforward path to employment, I’ve learned to embrace each twist and turn life sends my way. Exploring service-oriented work through the CAPS program has equipped me with a rich and varied experience that I can bring with me into my career after graduation, and my lifelong commitment to service. I can say with confidence that a career in nonprofit is not only desirable, but possible.

I am incredibly grateful for the mentors, colleagues, and fellow studesnts who challenged me
and trusted me with meaningful work throughout this experience. They created space for me not only to contribute but to ask questions, explore new ideas, and grow as a young professional.

I am moving along in my journey; still learning how to recognize the opportunities that align with my purpose and provide ways to connect my work to the needs of others. I am grateful that this stop in my journey led me to the CAPS Fellowship Program, to Shirley Heinze Land Trust, and now to a purpose-led career path in nonprofit work.

Aria Davis, Shirley Heinze Land Trust