OSI’s First Fellow

Isabelle Jandreau | OSI Katahdin Region Fellow

Hi everyone, my name is Isabelle Jandreau and I am the OSI Katahdin Region Fellow. The fellowship is a collaborative position with different partner organizations. My work focuses on education, human-powered outdoor pursuits, and community development. Being from rural Northern Maine, Millinocket feels a lot like home. I have spent two summers in Millinocket as an intern working with OSI, but this is the first time I will be here year-round. It is also the first time this fellowship has been offered, and I am so grateful to be a part of molding this new collaborative position.

I was lucky enough to be exposed to recreational experiences at a young age. I spent my winters as a child on cross country skis, trying to keep up with my older brothers and their friends. I remember showing up on chilly winter afternoons to ski programs run by local leaders. These leaders were not only my coaches, but my role models and friends. They made every program fun, even if the weather was proving the opposite. They showed up in bright tutus and always had a handful of fun props for us to play games with. They didn’t show up with just these tangible items, but also brought with them welcoming attitudes, experience, tons of excitement, and fun. These afternoons were always something that I looked forward to as a child. They helped me build my confidence. Outdoor sport shows us how capable we are, and the skills we gain can translate into every part of our lives. I am grateful for the leaders that shared these experiences with me, and now I am in a position to do the same for others. Becoming this leader is not something that happens overnight. It takes time and consistency to build relationships-- and the most important part is showing up.

Photo courtesy of Katahdin Learning Project

Now that I’m back in the region, I am spending time teaching students through place-based learning and creating programs to engage the community in outdoor recreation. Some days, I am interviewing adult professionals who work with young people in the region. I will meet them in their office to talk about the barriers and opportunities in their work. Once in a while, I’m fortunate enough that their office is outside and we have our conversation sitting across from each other on a bench, joined by the fall breeze. Other days, I am working with the Katahdin Learning project, teaching students in an outdoor setting. We go for walks in the woods and make observations about small insects and test water quality. It is so rewarding to watch students discover what is in their backyard. I love that every day is different. The diversity of my work allows me to lead youth, while also learning from professionals around me.

The other day, I went to the Katahdin Gear Library to help out with a youth trail work day. When I walked in, there were eight students socializing with one another, getting ready for the afternoon. I was surprised to see that I knew every student in attendance. This may seem like a small moment, knowing eight students' names, but the best part is that I met all of them through different work. I had a few in a Katahdin Learning Project program at a local school, and others on an overnight trip a few weeks prior. I was so excited after that program, because in just three short months, I have already been able to create relationships with students in the region. It was great to see my hopes of being a leader and role model in the community starting to come to life. Creating community takes work, and now, it is my work.

Having just graduated from college, I feel lucky that this is my first full time position. If I have learned anything about fulfilling work, it is because of the work that I am doing here in the Katahdin Region. I have the opportunity to provide a community with experiences that were so beneficial to me growing up. I can picture my younger self shuffling around on cross country skis, smiling ear to ear, just happy to be outside. It makes this work that much more meaningful to me because I know how outdoor sport helped shape me into the person I am today. This winter season is a time I am looking forward to. I hope that I will be that role model that helps kids see how capable they really are. I can’t wait to continue expanding my toolbox of skills, leaving some room for a few bright pink tutus as well.