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I recognize that the role of a nature interpreter comes with great ethical responsibilities. My beliefs stem from a lifelong appreciation for nature, an academic background in biological sciences, and hands-on experiences as a camp counselor, hiker, and former scout and cadet. These experiences have instilled in me a strong sense of duty—to educate others about the natural world while fostering a meaningful connection between people and their environment.

Nature interpretation is more than just conveying facts; it’s about creating an experience that inspires respect, curiosity, and stewardship. As I continue developing in this field, my personal ethic is deeply rooted in respect, responsibility, integrity, and accessibility. I strive to incorporate established interpretive principles into my work, including Sam Ham’s conerstones of interpretation (2013)—ensuring my communication is thematic, organized, relevant, and enjoyable (T-O-R-E)—as well as Tilden’s foundational principles (1957) and Beck and Cable’s expanded principles (2011).

At the core of my approach to interpretation is a deep respect for nature. I believe that all ecosystems deserve appreciation and protection, and that nature should be experienced with both wonder and care. This belief is both scientific and personal.

Through my travels to places like Jamaica, my time spent hiking the Torrance Barrens, and visits to farms and conservation areas, I have witnessed the beauty and fragility of the natural world firsthand. These experiences fuel my passion for sharing knowledge and encouraging stewardship in others. I remember being in Jamaica and noticing that every resort bathroom had signs reminding guests to be respectful of water usage because it is a scarce and valuable resource. This simple message reinforced how interpretation can connect people to an issue, provoke thought, and encourage action. These small but meaningful encounters shape my approach to interpretation: encouraging awareness and personal responsibility.

Another responsibility I take seriously is promoting ethical outdoor practices. As someone who hikes, camps, and fishes with a catch-and-release mindset, I understand the importance of minimizing human impact on the environment. In my interpretation, I aim to instill a sense of responsibility by demonstrating sustainable behaviors such as respecting wildlife, following ‘leave no trace’ principles, and supporting conservation efforts. By setting an example and providing context for why these actions matter, I hope to encourage others to become mindful nature enthusiasts.

Nature interpretation is more than just sharing knowledge—it’s about creating meaningful, lasting experiences that inspire stewardship. People are more likely to protect what they understand and appreciate, so my approach emphasizes engagement, storytelling, and hands-on learning.

I really like Ham’s definition of interpretation: “Interpretation is a mission-based approach to communication aimed at provoking in audiences the discovery of personal meaning and the forging of personal connections with things, places, people and concepts” (2013).

I believe that science should be accessible and engaging. My studies in biology have taught me how complex ecological and evolutionary processes can be, but with the right approach, anyone can understand and appreciate them. Science should not feel intimidating—it should spark curiosity and wonder. This is why I strive to balance factual accuracy with storytelling and real-world connections.

One of my key responsibilities as an interpreter is to present well-researched, accurate information in a way that is both accessible and engaging. My background in ecosystems, evolution, human physiology, and agriculture provides a strong foundation, but knowledge alone is not enough. I must also communicate effectively, adapting my approach to different audiences. This means using clear & relatable language, real-world examples to connect science to everyday life, and interactive activities to allow participants engage with the material personally.

To accomplish this, I strive to reach people through all three general learning domains described by Beck et al. (2018). The cognitive domain engages the rational mind by processing information through facts, classification, and logical explanations. This type of learning helps individuals make sense of their environment through methods such as talks, exhibits, and charts. The affective domain focuses on emotional connections, provoking attitudes, feelings, and sentiments. By incorporating storytelling, photography, music, and other expressive forms, I aim to create a deeper, more personal engagement with the subject matter. Lastly, the kinesthetic domain involves learning through movement and hands-on activities. Interactive demonstrations, guided hikes, and other participatory experiences help individuals develop motor skills while reinforcing concepts through direct engagement with nature. By integrating all three domains, I strive to create well-rounded, immersive interpretive experiences that resonate with diverse audiences.

I am particularly drawn to experiential and inquiry-based learning, as I find people learn best when they are actively involved rather than passively receiving information. Whether leading a guided hike, facilitating a hands-on activity, or engaging in storytelling, I strive to create immersive experiences that encourage observation, questioning, and discovery. 

This aligns with my background in STEM outreach, where I have learned to make complex topics engaging and accessible for young audiences. Instead of simply providing answers, I encourage curiosity—helping participants develop their own understanding of nature through exploration.

In addition to verbal interpretation, I strive to follow Leftridge’s (2006) principles for interpretive writing, by encouraging personal connections to the subject, creating tangible connections, connecting the topic to a broader theme, and challenging the reader to think, reflect, and change their actions. By incorporating effective interpretive writing, I can extend the reach of interpretation beyond direct experiences, making it accessible through different forms of media like this blog.

Another approach I value is fostering an emotional connection to nature. Some of the most profound moments in my life have been shaped by personal interactions with the natural world—whether playing the bagpipes in remote landscapes, photographing breathtaking sunsets, or encountering wildlife.

By incorporating personal stories, cultural perspectives, and sensory experiences into my interpretation, I hope to make learning more meaningful. Nature is not just something to be studied—it’s something to be felt. Creating moments of awe and reflection can be just as powerful as scientific facts in inspiring stewardship.

Finally, I see my role as an interpreter as an ongoing journey. There is always more to learn, new ways to improve, and different perspectives to consider. By staying curious, open-minded, and adaptable, I can continue growing in my ability to engage, educate, and advocate for the natural world.

Moving forward as a nature interpreter, I aim to do several things. Deepen my knowledge in areas like ecological restoration, wildlife rehabilitation, and indigenous and ecological perspectives. Improve my ability to engage difficult audiences, including those skeptical of conservation messages. Develop more hands-on, immersive activities that allow people to experience nature directly. 

My ethic as a nature interpreter is guided by respect for nature, a commitment to education, and a passion for fostering connections between people and the environment. By embracing engagement, responsibility, and continuous learning, I hope to leave a positive impact on both individuals and the ecosystems they encounter.

Nature has given me so much—peace, knowledge, adventure. This is my way of giving back. 

References

If there is one thing I have learned throughout this course, it is that nature interpretation involves significantly more work than you would think. Nature interpretation is more than just sharing facts; rather it is about helping to connect the everyday, mundane lives we live, with the beauty intertwined within the natural world. As an interpreter, my personal ethic is rooted in the idea that we, as humans, overcomplicate life. When you look at the big picture, nature in itself is quite simple, and direct. The relationship between humans and nature is often heavily overcomplicated, and we often forget to experience and appreciate what is in front of us in the present moment. 

Our job as interpreters is not to complicate nature any further; rather it is to strop away the noise and reconnect people with what they already know. Interpretation should not feel like a university lecture, or a scientific paper with complex terminology you would need a degree to understand. It should, however, be something which helps others see, feel, and experience the natural world. Interpretation, when done right, is about revealing the meaning of something in a manner that resonates with people’s emotions and lived experiences (Beck et al., 2018). 

Nature should be interpreted with simplicity, clarity, and presence. Rather than overwhelming people with scientific theories and complicated vocabulary, my approach to nature interpretation emphasizes a focus on storytelling, connection, and moving beyond intellectualization, allowing for sensitivity once in a while. People remember stories, and the emotional weight carried with them, not simple facts being stated. Storytelling acts as a bridge, and makes interpretation engaging and emotionally resonant (Beck et al., 2018). 

Meaning is not something which always needs to be invented; rather sometimes, we simply need to open our eyes and see what is right in front of us. As a nature interpreter, my aim is to create space for quiet observation and reflection. The rustling of leaves in the wind, the scent of the warm, moist dirt in the morning after a night of heavy rainfall. Nature is constantly communicating; we just need to listen to what it is trying to tell us. 

Good interpretation should encourage both mental and emotional responses from the listeners (Beck et al., 2018) rather than passively intaking information. Simplicity is what allows for curiosity and wonder, thus introducing the magic of discovery. My goal is to spark this curiosity, so people seek out answers for themselves, in a way in which they will continue to remember what they have learned. When we over explain, we take away the magic of discovery and learning. Less is more when interpreting nature, in order to allow for personal interest to spark and depthen curiosity and knowledge. 

Too often, we treat nature as something separate to ourselves. Rather than thinking of our planet as a common home we all share, interpreters often create this perception that nature is an exhibit to be studied. My personal ethic aims to remind people that we are all members of this natural world, and not simply outsiders looking in as though you would observe a panda in a zoo. This shift in perspective will hopefully foster respect, responsibility, and depthen the connection. 

As a nature interpreter, I see my role as someone who removes the barriers which lead to the overcomplication of the natural world. To do this, I plan on focusing on three main responsibilities. Firstly, I plan to encourage direct, personal experiences. Rather than telling people about ecosystems while they look at it from afar, I would allow them the ability to actively experience touching tree bark, listening to bird calls, feeling the temperature shifting between climates, etc., in order to help foster connections. Secondly, I aim to strip away unnecessary complexity. While scientific accuracy is important, not every moment in nature requires excessive explanation. There may be moments where silence is the best response. In the summertime, I often spend my evenings outdoors on my porch, watching the sunset and listening to the birds as their song slowly fades as they sleep while the sun goes down. Allowing for people to absorb and process their own emotions in response to a breathtaking view, or a rare wildlife sighting is what leads to stronger connections than simply providing a surplus of unnecessary information. Finally, I plan to keep knowledge accessible. Not everyone has a background in ecology, geography, or wildlife biology. To be completely fair, they should not require one in order to appreciate nature. Beck et al. (2018) emphasize that interpretation should be inclusive. My goal is to ensure that anyone and everyone, regardless of educational background or experience, feels welcome in natural spaces, by using simple, clear, and relatable language that makes nature inviting, rather than intimidating. 

In a world where we are constantly bombarded with information, nature offers us a chance to slow down, observe, and reconnect. My personal ethic is rooted in this idea: we do not need to over complicate our relationship with nature. We should, rather, embrace simplicity, allow for discovery and recognize that the most valuable connections come from what we experience, not simply from what we are told. Beck et al. (2018) remind us that interpretation should inspire, not simply provide knowledge. In my experiences, the most inspiring moments in nature are when we strip away the excess, turn down the noise of the past and future, and simply listen to what is around us in the present moment. Nature has always been communicating with us, since the beginning of time. Our job is simply to listen.

Our textbook states that one of the challenges interpreters face is capturing and maintaining the audience’s attention (Beck et al., 2018, p. 166). Later, it also highlights that one of the most effective ways to engage large audiences is through storytelling (Beck et al., 2018, p. 222). So, let me tell you a story.

Imagine it’s a quiet Tuesday morning. You’re at the bank, using the ATM before heading to work. The bank hasn’t even opened yet, and you’re the only person there. Suddenly, you hear a noise—a rustling sound from inside. Then, a loud crash! You glance through the window and see two masked figures. Heart pounding, you grab your phone, ready to call… animal control?

As it turns out, these robbers weren’t after money. They were after a tin of almond cookies! That’s because they weren’t people at all—they were raccoons! (I’ve linked two news articles below in case you need proof!) This story is one of my favorites because it challenges the idea that raccoons are just unintelligent pests. In reality, they’re incredibly resourceful problem-solvers, capable of navigating complex situations—like breaking into a bank for a snack.

Raccoons aren’t the only animals that demonstrate remarkable intelligence. One of the most fascinating examples in nature comes from the octopus. Often called escape artists, these cephalopods have stunned aquarium staff worldwide with their ability to sneak out of enclosures, open jars, and even steal food from neighboring tanks (Hunt, 2017). Some have learned to turn off lights and short-circuit power supplies, while others have demonstrated the ability to solve intricate puzzles when properly motivated (Hunt, 2017). If you have a few minutes, I highly recommend watching this video by YouTuber Mark Rober, where an octopus solves a complex underwater puzzle! (Bonus: He has other great videos showcasing animal intelligence, like obstacle courses for squirrels and testing a highly intelligent crow.)

What amazes me most about nature is how intelligence isn’t limited to just humans. A wide variety of animals, from primates to birds to invertebrates, have demonstrated cognitive abilities that challenge traditional views of intelligence (Bitterman, 1965). What’s even more fascinating is that, like humans, different species have different learning styles (Bitterman, 1965). But why has intelligence evolved in so many species? The answer lies in survival. Problem-solving skills help animals find food, avoid predators, and adapt to changing environments—giving them a distinct evolutionary advantage (Bitterman, 1965). Intelligence isn’t just a human trait; it’s a key part of life across the animal kingdom.

Have you ever witnessed an animal doing something unexpectedly smart? Maybe your pet learned a behavior you never intended to teach them, or you encountered a wild animal that seemed to know exactly what it was doing. Or perhaps you’ve just heard an incredible story about animal intelligence. I’d love to hear about it—share your experiences in the replies!

References

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage for a better world. Sagamore Publishing.

Bitterman, M. E. (1965). The evolution of intelligence. Scientific American, 212(1), 92–101. http://www.jstor.org/stable/24931751 

Hunt, E. (2017, March 28). Alien intelligence: the extraordinary minds of octopuses and other cephalopods. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/mar/28/alien-intelligence-the-extraordinary-minds-of-octopuses-and-other-cephalopods 

Larthridge, R. (2020, October 25). How a pair of raccoons (probably) broke into a bank. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/25/us/raccoon-bank-intruders-trnd/index.html 

I believe that music and nature have always been intertwined. As someone who has spent a fair share of time in the outdoors, I have often found myself noticing how much the sounds of nature around me (like the wind in the trees or the flow of water) feel like their own kind of music. I think that nature in itself is full of rhythm and harmony. I have always thought that when we take the time to stop and listen, nature shows us a song that has been there all along. Often times we are just too busy, stressed and preoccupied by life to hear.

The sounds of nature, from birds singing to the sound of rain hitting the ground, all work together to display the collective music of the environment. Nature provides an endless amount of auditory stimuli, which many artists have drawn inspiration from. Beethoven had captured this essence in his composition "Pastoral Symphony", which mimicked the calm and peaceful feel of the countryside. More modern musicians have actually used recordings of natural auditory elements such as wind or rain and woven them into their music. Beyond mimicking natural sounds, music is a way for us to express the emotions that nature brings us. When we're in nature, it isn't just the sights that get to us, but also the feelings they stir up. One might feel reflective, or free when experiencing nature. Often times, music does the same, it can capture emotional highs and lows, giving a voice to the way that nature makes us feel.

One song that takes me back to a natural landscape is one that many of us are familiar with, "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver. This song instantly reminds me of a summer road trip that I took with my friends last year. We spent days driving through rural areas and passing mountains, it was really special. The song's gentle rhythm seemed to mirror the peaceful landscape that we were driving through.

Edward Hyams' quote from The Gifts of Interpretation presents a compelling argument about the role of integrity in understanding history. He challenges the assumption that antiquity itself has intrinsic value, instead asserting that integrity requires an awareness and preservation of the past. Through a metaphor, he likens a disregard for history to assuming that a railway station ceases to exist the moment our train departs. This analogy underscores the illusion of historical discontinuity and urges us to recognize the enduring relevance of past events, ideas, and cultures. 

At the heart of Hyams' argument is the idea that integrity is not merely a moral principle but a structural necessity. Just as a bridge relies on all its components to function, our understanding of the present and future depends on acknowledging the past. The "keeping together of the parts of any whole" implies that history and memory are not passive recollections but active forces that shape identity, knowledge, and progress. When we sever ourselves from the past, we risk losing the coherence necessary to make sense of our world. 

This perspective has profound implications for historical preservation, education, and societal development. In a world increasingly focused on rapid innovation and change, there is a tendency to dismiss old ideas, traditions, and cultural artifacts as obsolete. However, as Hyams suggests, maintaining integrity means recognizing that these elements are not simply relics but essential components of a larger narrative. The study of history is not an indulgence in nostalgia but a means of ensuring continuity in human experience. 

The metaphor of the railway station powerfully illustrates the fallacy of historical amnesia. Just because a moment in history has passed does not mean it ceases to exist or loses relevance. The past does not vanish; it remains a fixed point in time, influencing all that follows. In the same way that a train’s journey is informed by the stations it has visited, our present realities are shaped by historical events and ideas. 

Hyams’ argument also speaks to the importance of cultural memory. Societies that fail to preserve and understand their history risk repeating mistakes and losing valuable traditions that provide meaning and identity. This is evident in debates over historical monuments, literature, and collective memory. 

Bioluminescent wonders in nature have always fascinated me. Since I was a kid, I always found it interesting how things in nature could light up. Whether it was fireflies glowing at night, deep-sea creatures emitting blue light, or fungi illuminating the forest, bioluminescence has always seemed like something out of a fairytale to me. 

Bioluminescence is the ability of living organisms producing and emitting light. This is due to a chemical reaction that involves luciferin (a light-emitting molecule) and luciferase (an enzyme). When these compounds interact with oxygen, they produce light without heat, making a mesmerizing natural glow (National Geographic, 2022) 

One of the best examples of bioluminescence are fireflies. These tiny little insects use their flashing lights to communicate and attract other fireflies. Each species of firefly has a unique light pattern, which is like the morse code of the natural world (National Geographic, 2019). One of my favourite memories of seeing fireflies was on my trip to Washington this past June. Seeing the fireflies light up an entire field was pretty mesmerizing to see.  

Photo: https://www.organicvalley.coop/blog/where-to-find-fireflies/

Besides fireflies, the ocean is also full of bioluminescent wonders. The sea is home to many creatures that produce their own light. The anglerfish, uses a bioluminescent lure to attract prey in the depths of the ocean. Other deep-sea creatures, like jellyfish, squids, and certain types of plankton, use their glow for various reasons like communication, to evade predators, or to find food (National Geographic, 2022) 

One of the most breathtaking things to see is bioluminescent ocean waves caused by tiny organisms called dinoflagellates. These microscopic plankton emit a bluish-green glow when disturbed, creating an effect where waves appear to sparkle and glow at night (National Geographic, 2022). Some of the best places to witness this phenomenon are Puerto Rico, the Maldives, and the shores of California.

Photo: https://florida-adventurer.com/blog/fun-facts-about-dinoflagellates/ 

Bioluminescence isn’t just limited to animals. Some fungi also have the ability to light up. A species known as “foxfire” or “ghost fungus” emits a faint greenish light, often spotted in decaying wood in forests. Scientists believe this glow may attract insects that help spread the fungus’s spores. (National Geographic, 2019). 

The role of bioluminescence in nature is both functional and mesmerizing. It can be used for communication, camouflage, attracting prey, or warning predators. It is a reminder of how intricate and incredible the natural world is. Even though I’ve always been amazed by bioluminescence, learning more about its science has only deepened my appreciation. It’s fascinating how something so beautiful can also serve such important functions in the ecosystems where it appears. Whether it’s the fireflies in Washington or the glowing oceans waves, bioluminescence continues to be one of nature’s most enchanting wonders and the best combination of science and nature.  

References:

National Geographic. (2019). How Bioluminescence Works in Nature. Animals. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/bioluminescence-animals-ocean-glowing

Who Am I to Interpret Nature Through Art? When I think about interpreting nature through art, what stands out to me is how it’s more about creating a connection than creating something physical. It’s an experience, a way of noticing and sharing the beauty and meaning in the world around us. Whether it’s through storytelling, reflection, or simply pausing to appreciate a moment, nature interpretation feels like an art form in how it brings people closer to the natural world and helps them see it in a new light.

Nature Interpretation: The Intangible Art

As mentioned in Chapter 3, interpretation isn’t just about providing information, it’s about meeting ones needs on different levels, from knowledge and understanding to aesthetic and even self-actualization. Interpreters help people form deeper connections with nature, making it something they not only see but truly experience. It helps us connect with it in a way that feels personal. It makes us slow down and see nature instead of just passing by it. Just like an artist uses color or composition, an interpreter uses storytelling, emotion, and perspective to shape how others see the natural world. It's fascinating to me how the variable of time is always part of that meaning. It's not just a backdrop but an active force that sculpts and transforms nature’s beauty. Whether it’s the erosion of mountains or the changing seasons, nature is constantly in motion, making every moment unique. Throughout this unit, we’ve read about how interpretation balances emotion and intellect. That balance is an art form in itself. Nature isn’t just about science, it’s also about how it makes us feel. The way trees sway, the sound of water moving, or a bird taking flight all have something to say. Interpreting nature is simply about being present and helping others see what’s already there.

That is exactly what I like most about it, there is no right or wrong answer to how one is able to view something

I've taken this picture of a starry sky, but through the art of interpretation, it becomes a map of constellations, stories, and connections that have guided humanity for centuries!

My personal Interpretation I interpret “the gift of beauty” as the ability to recognize and appreciate the details, emotions, and experiences that make something meaningful. Beauty isn’t just about appearance; it’s about the feeling a moment evokes. If I’m getting off my bus and it’s snowing, I find myself appreciating how pretty it looks, even if I wasn’t expecting to. It’s a reminder to slow down, see beyond the surface, and find value in the world around us. In nature, beauty is often fleeting, shaped by time and change, making it even more precious. It’s easy to overlook the fact that today’s fresh snow will be slush tomorrow or that the vibrant red autumn trees will be bare in just a week. The gift of beauty isn’t just in witnessing it but in sharing it, whether through words, art, or simply pointing out something others might not have noticed.

Here’s a White Admiral butterfly I would’ve missed if I hadn’t been appreciating the "gift of beauty", it flew away the very next minute!

How do you personally connect with the art of nature interpretation? I would love to know how your ideas compare and contrast with mine.

Reference:

You may recall my first blog post, titled My Relationship with Nature. In this post, I discussed how my relationship with nature was formed through my hometown and what was accessible to me. I talked about how I was able to have a positive relationship with nature because I had the privilege to be connected to it, being surrounded by it, and having experiences brought to me. And while that remains true, after completing this unit and reading Chapter 7 of Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World, I realized my understanding of privilege only scratched the surface. Prior, I understood privilege to be defined as what you are given in life, and the opportunities that are handed to you. However, I now understand that it goes much deeper than that. My working definition of privilege now includes the understanding that privilege is not just about having something others do not, but how some have set advantages to even have access to those opportunities, and they did not do anything themselves to earn that. The Youtube video Social Inequalities Explained in a $100 Race really helped me understand this. I encourage everyone to take 5 minutes out of their day to watch it. 

Now, how does this apply to nature interpretation, and our future roles as interpreters? Well, as interpreters, we strive to be able to share our craft, tell our story, and get people involved. In order to do this, we must recognize the privilege that comes with visitors actually participating. One main reason visitors do not participate is not because they do not want to, but because they can’t (Beck et al, 2018). In order to eliminate this in the future, our roles as interpreters can include the following: include bilingual interpreters, provide transportation, personally inviting minority groups, have information in various languages and forms, having diversity among staff, having sites developed to different group sizes, having an AODA compliant site, and having programs and activities at various times for all ages (Beck et al, 2018). I can also apply these guidelines specifically to my own future role as an interpreter when designing these sites. Throughout my landscape architecture degree, we have learned the importance of following AODA requirements, how we can ensure our design is accessible, and putting them into practice. As someone who is classified as disabled myself, I have first hand seen the benefits of doing so. I also have had the ability to write a thesis and work on my final capstone project about redesigning urban spaces inspired by nature to tackle environmental injustice. Doing that research taught me a lot about the privilege of access to nature. By applying said research with integration of the guidelines listed above, I can ensure that I am using my skills as an interpreter to confirm I am assessing risks, reflecting on myself, and understanding who my audience will be. This will allow me to do everything I can to see, understand, address, and prevent barriers. 

I'm currently in my third year of a four-year bachelor of biological science. My ideal role as an environmental interpreter would allow me to merge my academic background with my passion for exploring and sharing knowledge about the natural world. I imagine a career that allows me to travel the world, explore diverse ecosystems, and share my passion for science and nature with others. Whether it's conducting research in remote locations, leading guided tours on a cruise or resort, or creating engaging educational content, I want to be in a position that blends discovery, education, and entertainment.

An ideal setting for this role would be dynamic and ever-changing. Working on a cruise as a guide or entertainer is especially appealing because it combines my love for travel, teaching, and engaging with others. I could introduce travelers to marine life, coastal ecosystems, and the science and culture behind the environments and we visit. Alternatively, I would love to be involved in field research, collaborating with international teams to study biodiversity in areas like rainforests, coral reefs, or even remote tundra regions. Both paths would allow me to combine my love of travel, education, and science in meaningful and impactful ways.

The skills required for this role are diverse and multifaceted. First and foremost, a deep understanding of ecology, evolution, and biology is essential to provide accurate and engaging information to audiences. My coursework in areas such as agriculture, human physiology, epidemiology, and immunology has given me a well-rounded scientific foundation. These subjects have deepened my ability to make complex biological concepts accessible and engaging, an essential skill for an interpreter.

Beyond scientific knowledge, communication is key. As an environmental interpreter, I would need to tailor my approach to different audiences, from school groups to cruise guests, ensuring the material is both informative and captivating. I have experience tailoring programs to younger audiences through my time as a camp leader. Creativity and adaptability are also critical, as the ability to engage with people from various cultural backgrounds and interests would be a regular part of the job.

In addition, I hope to pursue a master’s degree in physiotherapy, pathology, or another medical-adjacent field in the future. This aligns with my long-term interest in exploring how environmental factors influence human health, which could further enrich my role as an interpreter. For example, understanding the physiological effects of air or water pollution on human populations could add a compelling layer to my storytelling and advocacy.