Mike:Good luck on your first day, Mr. Environmental
Educator.
I quickly shoot a text back.
Me:Thanks! I can’t wait.
Mike:When you get off, let me know how it went.
Me:Will do.
Knowing Mike’s thinking of me calms me down instantly.
I chug down the rest of my coffee, then head downstairs with the empty mug. Dad’s already at work, but Mom’s sitting at the kitchen table, eating some eggs and toast before she opens her gift shop. It’s tourist season, so the summer is when she’s the busiest.
She smiles brightly as soon as she sees me. “Oh, look at you. I’m so proud of you, honey.”
I smile back. “Thanks, Mom.”
I put the mug into the sink and rinse it out.
“Do you want some breakfast?”
I stare out the kitchen window and shake my head. “I’m fine. I packed a lunch last night. I’ll eat that and a protein bar while I’m out.”
As I dry my hands, Mom stands behind me, turns me to face her, and pulls me into a hug.
“I don’t want to push you, but you’ve been… off. You’re quiet, and you’re never quiet, sweetheart. You’re also not eating as much. Just know that I’m here if you ever need to talk.”
I hold her back, the ever-familiar comfort of her softness and the scent of laundry detergent and her lavender lotion hitting me. Getting upset is the last thing I need right now. I cough away the growing emotions and ease her off me. “I know, Mom,” is all I say.
I double-check that I have my keys, wallet, and phone before opening the fridge to pull out my lunch bag and the gallon jug of water. From the front closet, I grab my lined windbreaker.
“Gotta go. I need to be there right when the tide pulls back. Bye, Mom!”
“Bye, honey. Good luck!”
I put everything on the front passenger seat of my new silverHonda Civic. Well, it’s a 2017, but it’s new to me since my parents gifted me the car for graduation. I pop the trunk to make sure I have my rubber boots, a rain poncho—though the weather says it’s going to be sunny—and a towel. Confident that I have everything, I climb in the driver’s side, start the car, and drive off toward Haystack Rock.
For my first day, I’ll take a group of tourists to explore the tidal pools until the tide starts coming in. Then we’ll wrap it up. In the afternoon, I have another group to hike with at Crescent Beach Trail to explore the woods.
I park the car and put on my windbreaker. Even though it’s summer, June is pretty mild, and it won’t get higher than sixty degrees today. Then I tug my galoshes on over my sneakers.
Once I’m ready with my clipboard, I head down toward the group waiting for me on the beach. My stomach turns in knots, but it’s a good feeling. I’m excited to do a job I’ve only dreamed about until now. Getting paid to share my love of nature is the best feeling. I’ve spent my life on these shores, and I don’t want to live anywhere else.
The morning is cold and windy, and it’ll be even colder out by the water, but the tide will be really low, allowing them to see all sorts of critters.
When I approach them, I plaster a big smile on my face. “Morning! I’m Dennis, and I’ll be your educator today. Thank you for being here.”
There are ten adults and six children, ranging in age from five to thirteen. I check off names and ensure that I keep track of everyone throughout the morning.
“So, I’d like to go over some ground rules before we get started. This is to protect you and the wildlife. As we explore the pools, please try to stay on the soft sand and avoid the rocks. The rocks are covered with anemones and other animals. They can become easily damaged if we’re not careful. And take your time walking around the pools and be watchful of other animals, swimming or crawling.”
When they nod, I drop the clipboard in the sand with my backpack. “Are we ready for some excitement?”
They all nod again and smile.
“Awesome! Stick close to me, and I’ll show you all sorts of marine life. When the tide starts to come in, we’ll wrap up the tour. Any questions?”
