Planting Trees with President Obama

by Chris Jackson, '08, '09
I want to tell you how I met the President. I was camping when I got the call: because of the work I’ve done with SCA, I was chosen to plant trees with the President and First Lady on Earth Day. I was pretty nervous, but the President and I just talked about his new dog and life in the White House. It felt like a regular day out in the field –- and it made me realize how our leaders are really no different from you and me. They’re just people

Meeting the President is something I didn’t think was possible two years ago. But back then, I didn’t think I would clear off a 5 mile long trail, with several other students in less than 2 days either.

Since I started with SCA, I know that nothing is impossible. And even more importantly, I’ve learned the meaning of service, and what it truly means to give.

I’ve done a lot in just over a year with SCA –- I’ve installed water bars and rock walls at Shenandoah National Park. I also helped put in check steps at Wyman Park in Baltimore, and removed invasive species there (which is my least favorite thing to do). Once, I even cut down a couple trees. On the AT [Appalachian Trail], I worked with other volunteers to put up some 10-foot bear hook poles.

I think everyone should have the chance to serve in parks and cities around the country like I have. Now I know what it means to be a conservationist, and I hope many more students will have the chance to learn the valuable skills I did.

Thank you, SCA, for helping open so many doors for me and for all the students who want life-changing service opportunities.

For more photos and stories about SCA's Earth Day event in Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens with President Obama, Michelle Obama, and President Clinton, please visit SCA's blog.