Joanna Ahlum is leaving SCU for Wyoming
A Fond Farewell to my Bronco Family
I always seem to miss graduation. My first year teaching at SCU it coincided with my wedding day. In 2016, our second daughter was born shortly after the seniors crossed the stage. On the eve of this year’s commencement ceremony, my family will be journeying eastward to settle into our new home in Jackson, Wyoming. This reversal of my ancestor’s migration pattern is motivated by several things: love of the mountains, proximity to family, compelling work/life opportunities, and apparently a willingness to endure long winters! I’ve accepted a position with Teton Science Schools, a hub for place-based education and immersive nature study. I’ll be joining their faculty team for a graduate program housed in Grand Teton National Park, serving as a mentor and teaching coach for students pursuing careers in field science and experiential learning.
I’m excited to go, but I’m going to miss all of you dearly. Being part of ESS has been far richer than the word “job” often conveys. Surrounded by colleagues of great humor, compassion, and accomplishment and students of high caliber and character has been transformative and inspiring. I love the variety of memories from this season. There are sights of ELSJ students at Washington Elementary teaching kids to appreciate the mysteries of soil, smells of tomato plants as students in the Forge garden tried their hand at growing food, sounds of noisy elephant seals on a field trip for ENVS 21, and so many more. I am deeply grateful for all that I’ve learned here, and I hope to carry it with me into this next adventure. I also hope that you’ll stay in touch and stop by to say hello whenever you happen to be passing through Wyoming!
Email: joanna.ahlum@gmail.com