Mentor, botanist, coach, friend, Meagan

07 Jul Mentor, botanist, coach, friend, Meagan

Even the most amazing projects can become less fun if you’re not working with the right people. Lucky for me, my mentor Meag is one of the most incredible humans I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. When I first arrived at the Grand Canyon, I didn’t know what to expect. I was nervous about living and driving in the snow (I first got here in December). Wasn’t sure if I’d be able to make any friends with all the COVID-19 protocols. And I was super worried about hiking in the Grand Canyon! Then I met Meagan Dreher. Meag was the very first person I met at the canyon, and after talking with her, all my worries faded away and left me full of excitement. 

For my first month of work, it was just the 2 of us working together at the greenhouse. We spent every minute of the work day together watering, transplanting and cleaning seeds. Now that my position has transitioned into a different project, it seems like we spend even more time together! We’re desk neighbors, we attend all the same meetings, and are out in the field collecting data, hiking and camping, always side by side. No matter where we go, during work hours or not, she makes a game of “Name that plant!” so I can continue working on my plant identification skills. Even with all this together time, Meag still invites me over for dinner and movie nights. 

My favorite part of the internship is simply working with Meag. She has taught me so much about the flora of the Grand Canyon and is willing to share ideas and feedback about my project and offer support. She always puts others first, and finds ways to keep the group laughing even when we’re struggling to complete a long hike in the heat. I have learned so much from her and cannot possibly thank her enough for everything she has done for me throughout my time at Grand Canyon. You’re the best Meag!