Hey y’all! Hard to believe I’ve already been here for two weeks. Even harder to believe I’ll eventually have to leave. They might have to drag me onto that plane.
As no one could have possibly predicted based upon my heartfelt blog post from last week, I love Seattle even more. It’s perfect. But we’ve discussed this. Here’s a bonus picture to demonstrate the perfection and my eternal love:
As no one could have possibly predicted based upon my heartfelt blog post from last week, I love Seattle even more. It’s perfect. But we’ve discussed this. Here’s a bonus picture to demonstrate the perfection and my eternal love:
And a double bonus picture of the view of Mt. Rainer from our living room window. Because how cool is that?!
We’ve all been up to some really cool stuff together. Seattle's Pride Parade was truly beautiful. The Locks in Ballard and the fish ladders were pretty awesome. The Independence Day fireworks show at Gas Works Park was absolutely phenomenal. Not to mention just sitting around resting after work is pretty fun when you’re with people as cool as us.
Today we got also a gorgeous view of Seattle on the water taxi and spent some of the afternoon at Alki Beach on Puget Sound. The more time I spend around Puget Sound, the more I understand the work done by People for Puget Sound at WEC. I’ve learned so much about the importance and beauty of the Sound, but you don’t really understand what makes it so special until you’ve walked down the shore. I’m also very excited to get to travel to meet some Aquatic Reserves Committee members tomorrow and hear more about their work with the Sound. In addition- stay tuned for more Puget Sound pictures. I’ve convinced myself that if I take enough, I won’t miss it quite as much when I have to go. We all know how lying to yourself goes.
Aside from my ever-growing love for Puget Sound, there’s something else I was thinking about during today’s group reflection session. I’m getting such a unique education here- from my site coordinators, from my coworkers, and from my fellow DukeEngagers. I chose the Seattle DukeEngage program not only because I was eager to learn about Seattle, but also because I really wanted an experience where everyone in the group was working at different non-profit organizations (generally DukeEngage programs have a central focus upon one field of service). If you know me at all, you know my wide array of interests. Living with DukeEngagers working in environmental issues, poverty and hunger relief, disability rights, and so much more is an incredible experience. I’m learning so much about all these organizations and important movements as well as sharing my own organization’s work just by sitting and talking with one another. I can’t imagine any other experience where I could learn so much just by living, working, and talking. I absolutely can’t wait for what the next six weeks have for us.
Hayley Farless, Puget Sound Fangirl
Duke Student '17
Hayley Farless, Puget Sound Fangirl
Duke Student '17