Intern Story: Amanda Peiffer
A junior studying Wildlife Conservation and Biology (with a minor in GIS/Remote Sensing) at Murray State University, 2024 Rocky Mountain Youth Corps intern Amanda Peiffer, 20, grew up in the small, western Kentucky town of Murray. Working in the chemistry research lab of MSU’s Hancock Biological Station, she studies calcium concentration and zebra mussel population trends and conducts stream research for the Watershed Studies Institute, reporting on E. Coli contaminations. While she’s now back at school, she credits this past summer’s internship at RMYC as one of the best experiences of her life. We caught up with her for her thoughts on how she got involved, what it meant to her and what lies ahead.
What’d you do on some of your other college summers?
In 2022, I was one of nine girls selected to be part of a research expedition in Alaska’s for the University of Fairbanks through Inspiring Girls Expeditions, a program designed for women pursuing STEM and conservation careers. For about a month we packrafted on the Chena River near the Arctic circle, collecting data for various research projects and learning from members of the native Inupiaq tribe. In 2023 I worked for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Resources as an outdoor educator, teaching middle schoolers swimming, boating, hunter safety, and archery. These experiences contributed to my mental and physical fortitude, which helped me feel confident going into the internship with RMYC. But RMYC is the most difficult and rewarding job I've done.
How did you hear about the RMYC Internship program?
My RMYC journey began when I stumbled upon the website over Christmas break. I was looking for a summer internship that would let me work with USFS, and I settled on trails. I waited with anticipation as the days and then weeks ticked by. Finally, I got the long-awaited phone call that I had an interview. I could hardly sleep the night before. A week later, I got the call that forever changed the trajectory of my future: I was going to be a RMYC natural resource intern in Colorado! Immediately, I started preparing for the adventure of a lifetime. I didn't know how I was going to get there, or even what I had signed myself up for, but I knew in my heart that this was my dream and I couldn't wait to experience it.
How’d the intern season go and what all did you learn? I look back at the person I was four months earlier and I’m honestly shocked at the growth that has occurred. I made so many memories, connected to the land through service and stewardship, and fell in love with this place that feels like my second home. My coworkers became my family. We laughed together, ate together, and pooped in the woods together. I will miss them so much. Beyond friendships and wild adventures, I learned an incredible amount, gained new skills and built confidence physically and mentally. I earned my A level felling/bucking certification for chainsaw operations. I’d never in my life run a chainsaw before, or sharpened tools for that matter. I learned that I love the slow and thoughtful pace of rockwork, and that digging tread is a science. I see trails not just as a way for people to access beautiful spaces, but a way to limit human impact on those spaces. Each feature we add ensures we are caring for the soil, water, and trees that are impacted by the trail.
How was your support crew?
My crew lead Clayton showed endless patience and kindness as I learned the basics of trail maintenance and upkeep. I also loved the mentorship aspect between us interns and him. I’ve never experienced such a healthy work environment, or someone who cares so deeply about the trails and us. One day while clearing trees from the trail, he taught me a new technique for bucking. When I successfully read a bind and used that method, he told me he was proud of me. That memory makes me tear up, because I haven't always been told I do things right. Having not just a boss but a team who supports me means the world to me. As a woman, I am often made to feel less important, less valued, and less intelligent, even in my college classes. I have come out of this internship more confident, assertive, and bold. I trust my judgement and I'm not afraid to voice my opinions and communicate my ideas. The summer gave me all I dreamed of and more. I know going into the future, I am set up for success if I choose to go into forestry, and I fully intend to. I truly loved my job; even on my off days I couldn't wait to get back into the prettiest office around, the Great Outdoors.
Any plans for the future?
I plan on finishing my undergraduate degree and hopefully pursuing a full-time career in forestry or soil conservation. It would be my dream to work with USFS as my permanent job. I would love to work in the Hoosier National Forest, but I can see myself doing several summers of seasonal work before settling down in one place.