In the summer of 2008, I spent two weeks doing environmental clean-up work with Landmark Volunteers, a non-profit community service program that brings high school students together from across the country to work for historical, cultural, environmental or service institutions. I was assigned to the Trustees of Reservations, an organization that preserves the landscape in Lenox, Massachusetts. I was part of a group of thirteen volunteers who worked to maintain and improve the natural beauty of the landscape by cleaning and weeding the grounds that had overgrown at nationally certified historic properties. I chose to participate in this program because of my love and respect for the environment and belief in the importance of preserving it. I gained valuable experience working in a different part of the country, meeting new people and being part of a team not afraid to work hard for a good cause.
