Oh, Seattle, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. No, but seriously. I love Seattle. Not like “Love at first sight” love, but like “It’s everything I imagined it could be” love. Too much? Okay.
Anyway, I guess I’ll introduce myself. I’m Hayley, a Tennessean/rising Duke sophomore freshly transplanted into Seattle. Like Seattle farmers’ market fresh- eight days to be exact. But anyway, I’m a co-major in global health and cultural anthropology and an aspiring epidemiologist. During DukeEngage in Seattle I’m super excited to be interning with the People for Puget Sound program at the Washington Environmental Council!
I’m working with the fantastic people at WEC on their Aquatic Reserves Crowdraising Campaign. People for Puget Sound and the citizen committees that serve each of the five aquatic reserves have done so much great work in preserving the health and beauty of gorgeous Puget Sound, but because of funding cuts, the new campaign is needed to continue their success and spread the word about Puget Sound activism.
Even outside of work, this week has been filled to the brim. We all landed in Seattle, moved in at the University of Washington (which I’m told is only acceptable to call “U-Dub”), shopped at the local farmers’ market, toured the International District and the Wing Luke Museum, bonded over the World Cup, met the Seattle Duke alumni, volunteered clearing invasive species out of the forest with EarthCorps, visited Carkeek Park, explored the city, and so much more. Whew. I’m tired just thinking about it. But back to Seattle.
Anyway, I guess I’ll introduce myself. I’m Hayley, a Tennessean/rising Duke sophomore freshly transplanted into Seattle. Like Seattle farmers’ market fresh- eight days to be exact. But anyway, I’m a co-major in global health and cultural anthropology and an aspiring epidemiologist. During DukeEngage in Seattle I’m super excited to be interning with the People for Puget Sound program at the Washington Environmental Council!
I’m working with the fantastic people at WEC on their Aquatic Reserves Crowdraising Campaign. People for Puget Sound and the citizen committees that serve each of the five aquatic reserves have done so much great work in preserving the health and beauty of gorgeous Puget Sound, but because of funding cuts, the new campaign is needed to continue their success and spread the word about Puget Sound activism.
Even outside of work, this week has been filled to the brim. We all landed in Seattle, moved in at the University of Washington (which I’m told is only acceptable to call “U-Dub”), shopped at the local farmers’ market, toured the International District and the Wing Luke Museum, bonded over the World Cup, met the Seattle Duke alumni, volunteered clearing invasive species out of the forest with EarthCorps, visited Carkeek Park, explored the city, and so much more. Whew. I’m tired just thinking about it. But back to Seattle.
The culture here is amazing, and the city is beautiful. Puget Sound has captivated me in just a week, so I’m thrilled to be working on a campaign dedicated to protecting it. Aside from the immense beauty, I think one of the largest things that has contributed to my love for Seattle so far is its welcoming and inclusive nature. The churches fly pride flags. The attractions have their brochures printed in countless languages. And Seattleites care- about each other, about the environment, about social justice. It’s everything your friendly neighborhood left-wing crazy like myself has ever dreamed of.
For this weekend: Pride Parade, the Duke freshmen send-off, more Seattle exploring, and then back to WEC for another awesome week!
Until next week,
Hayley Farless
Duke Student ‘17
For this weekend: Pride Parade, the Duke freshmen send-off, more Seattle exploring, and then back to WEC for another awesome week!
Until next week,
Hayley Farless
Duke Student ‘17