Liam’s Story
I started my internship at Urban Roots in summer 2022 and have worked year-round since then. Coming to work at Urban Roots felt stressful because it’s a really social place. Thinking back on my first year, I wish I would’ve talked more. I started speaking up more in my second year because I felt encouraged by think-pair-share activities and public speaking learning sessions. These are things I wouldn’t have chosen to do had I not been in this internship.
Filling out the conservation workbook in the field.
Similarly, I also wouldn’t have chosen to engage in any restoration work. I’ve really enjoyed learning how to identify plants. I didn’t have an interest in them at the beginning, but being around them, and learning the small, intricate details made me more interested. The ability to identify plants is pretty cool and useful. I also feel that summer education has been impactful because I didn’t know any of this before my internship started but now recognize how important it is for us to be aware of place, history, and issues within the place. Furthermore, I like that we incorporate art in the Conservation program education because art is a more stable way for me to remember what I’ve learned.
Another impactful experience I’ve had at Urban Roots is the friendship and exploration aspects of the Ua Si Ua Ke Nraum Zoov Hmong affinity group. The group explores many locations within, and surrounding Minnesota and I feel like I’m expanding my own map because I haven’t really been anywhere else before. Having friends is an experience that is still new to me, but the friendships I’ve made has helped me grow as a person. I used to always keep things to myself because I didn’t have anyone to talk to, but now I have people to talk to.
Exploring the Nature Center
I’ve always had this built-in fear of being judged, but being at Urban Roots feels like a weight lifted, freeing – I can be my authentic self here. I don’t feel like I have to look for someone’s approval. Presently, as a Harvest Crew, I feel like I’m in a weird transition phase of my life; maybe it’s okay to be me. I’m feeling more comfortable being me now than I was three years ago.
-Liam, current Conservation youth intern
Visiting the Ice Castles
Being at Urban Roots feels like a weight lifted, freeing – I can be my authentic self here.
