Northwest

Contact: Emily Nguyen, Recruiting Representative, Northwest Placement Coordinator, 206.324.4649, or email Emily.

To connect with Emily on Facebook, click here.

To see Internship opportunities currently available in the Northwest region, click here.

Emily Nguyen is originally from the Golden Triangle in Northeast Mississippi. She graduated from Mississippi State University with a BA in Foreign Languages. Emily starting serving with SCA as an Conservation Intern during the summer of 2003 at Valley Forge National Historical Park, working in Historical Interpretation giving daily bus tours and walking tours. Next, Emily explored Idaho's sagebrush country with the SCA Land Fire program collecting fuel load data. She traveled back east to serve with the Massparks Americorps residential program creating new trails, maintaining old trails, and even built a self-composting privy along side her crewmates. The desert called and Emily went west to the Desert Restoration Corps. She helped restore Off-Highway Vehicle routes in Ridgecrest, California. Emily's world is also composed of local music scenes, hiking the Northwest, gardening, and baking.

How did you hear about SCA?

I searched the internet for conservation internships and I went to national parks’ websites. Both sources led me to the SCA.

What programs have you done?

I’ve done quite a few. I have slide shows and stories to share. 2003, Valley Forge NHP outside of Philly, served as a Ford Motor Alternative Transportation Intern, walking and bus tours 2004, LandFire, conducted vegetation and fuel load data collection for the USGS in southern Idaho 2005, Massparks Americorps member, served on projects (mostly trail construction) at Massachusetts’ state parks 2006, Desert Restoration Corps member, performed OHV desert restoration with the BLM 2006 & 2007, Inyo NF Restoration Crew, performed OHV restoration and stream restoration with the USFS

What is the funniest story from your tenure as a Recruiter?

I don’t have a funny story. But I did search for the best Reuben sandwhich last year. The winner is Holy Cow Café at University of Oregon with their Groovin’ Reuben made with tempeh. This year I’m going to search for the best fried chicken. If you have recommendations please email me..

What is the best advice that you can give someone who is thinking of SCA, but is not sure if it is for them? (or some other tips for someone who has already applied, etc)

Many people believe you need a science or environmental studies background to apply. I majored in French. I’ve met interns who have never been camping, who are older than I am (I’m 29.), who prefer office work – just as I’ve met interns who have camped their whole life, who are fresh out of high school, and want to be in the remote backcountry. Read the descriptions carefully. Be flexible. Email me.

What is your favorite National Park/land spot? Virgin Falls Pocket Wilderness Area – 2 hours east of Nashville, TN.

Emily's Fall 2009 Schedule: