Jackson State University student Charles Boykin was acknowledged by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell during a speech given at the National Press Club.
Boykin, a senior majoring in therapeutic recreation, had the opportunity to meet Jewell during his participation in a program called the Student Conservation Association. This paid internship allows students to gain knowledge in the field of resource conservation of all national parks through the federal government.
Boykin served as a safety and risk manager for 12 weeks in Jackson, Wyo.
“During my time there, I learned an extraordinary amount of information about different fields within the National Park,” says Boykin. “I was privileged to work on the Moulton Barn, one most famous barns in the United States.”
During the project, Boykin installed safety plans and aided in stabilization of the barn. By participating on this project, he gained conservation and stewardship skills.
“The most valuable aspect of my internship was simply waking up to the Tetons Mountains every morning before work,” says Boykin. “I learned so many new things about nature and how it works. Also while serving as an intern, I encountered multiple wildlife and studied most of them to obtain more information about them.”
The internship concluded with Boykin receiving an opportunity to meet Jewell. “This experience is one that I will surely never forget and cherish for a lifetime,” says Boykin.
To hear the speech given by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, click here. The mention of Boykin is made within the 35-minute mark.