YING ~

Cohort 9 has brought a lot of new, amazing experiences to me. Whether it is learning about how to maintain a garden or learning how to communicate with new people, it has been a positive aspect of my life. It taught me how to be a landscape architect and how to appreciate nature more. The whole experience was especially memorable to me because this was my first ever job where I was able to make my own money and be independent.

During my time with the group, I have had many memorable experiences. But nothing compares to the water fight we had at the test plot. That day, it was Brissa’s last day with the Cohort, which was very devastating. But to cheer us up, she had brought water blasters. At the end of the day at the test plot, twenty minutes before we clocked out, we had a water fight. It was so fun to be able to soak my friends and get soaked back in return! The whole experience passed in a flash, as people say, “time flies when you're having fun.” This memory will forever be with me because I would have never thought that in the workforce, something fun like that moment would ever happen.

Hopefully, I am able to make more memories and experiences with my coworkers/friends in the future.

ALEXIS ~

One of my most memorable experiences was our trip to volunteer at a test plot in Los Angeles. Our mission was to help fix up the land and make it a better place for nature to grow. Honestly, it was a lot of hard, sweaty work, but it felt really cool to see it all come together. Our first big job was dealing with a bunch of huge, heavy logs. Those things were no joke to move around. A few of us had to team up to haul them across the dirt field. We arranged some of the biggest ones to look like natural benches so people have a place to sit and hang out when they visit. But we also used the logs to help out the local wildlife. We piled them up in different spots to create little hiding zones and habitat nooks. These damp, dark spaces are exactly what bugs, beetles, and spiders need to live and stay safe from the hot sun.

After we finished wrestling with the logs, we started mulching. We had a massive pile of woodchips that we had to shovel into wheelbarrows and dump all over the garden. We spread out a thick layer across the whole test plot. Not only does it give the test plot an organized visual appeal, but it also aids the soil with moisture retention. The mulch also stops weeds from competing with our native plants for nutrients. By the time we wrapped up, my back was aching and I was completely covered in dirt and sweat. But looking back at what we built from scratch, it was awesome. We took a plain piece of land and turned it into a real home for native plants and insects.

MARLEE ~

I’ve had many fun and memorable moments while being in the YAW program but I’d say my most memorable moment is when we went to the Elysian Park trail. What made it so memorable for me was the fact that it was our first time ever going on a hike together as a team, and the fact that we got to learn about a bunch of different kinds of plants. We got to learn which plants were poisonous, which ones can help make you calm and also just the history behind the flowers and what they used to be used for. I really enjoyed the hiking trail because it gave me a chance to be in my element, looking at nature and also gave me the chance to learn about my new co-workers and how they enjoyed the outdoors. Not only were the flowers beautiful but so were the views. We had a really nice and beautiful view of LA that helped me feel in the moment.

Not to mention I got there early before anyone arrived. My dad and I decided to take a trip to the top of Elysian Park and go to the water tower. My dad and I got to enjoy the morning view of LA on top of the water tower. I really enjoyed the memories I created with everyone that day and all the stories that were being told to us too. But I’d have to say my main rose about that day was when we found this swing hanging from a big tree. How we got to swing on it was crazy! How we just found a random swing right there, it felt like the wilderness was telling us to go have some fun! I did! I tried jumping off but was unsuccessful but I still had fun. That was my most memorable moment yet so far since I’ve been working at the YAW program.

From left to right, Anatli, Alexis, Andrew, Angel, Jakob and Marlee, discover a swing in Elysian Park.

NATALIA ~

My most memorable experience in YAW Cohort 9 was meeting everyone for the first time and getting to know them one by one. I don’t usually bond with people right away so connecting so easily with most of the girls felt like a true blessing. It has been amazing getting to know everyone, especially my boss Mel. Even though this internship is short it has been completely worth it and I don't regret a single thing. While it is a real job working here mostly feels like a second safe space where I can make new friends and laugh every day. The closer we get the more amazing it is to watch everyone grow in their own unique way.

The park events have also been a highlight. Even when we get split up, we always find a way to connect, have fun and show off our skills. Plus the Parks Staff always treat us well with free food, ice cream, and a chance to join the kids in activities like face painting.

Even gardening at the test plot has been fun. Despite the heat we have fun working in our groups whether we're competing to see who can pull the biggest weed, calling for help when we struggle, or finding weird little animals. Looking back at the progress we've made, makes me incredibly proud. Saying goodbye will be a bittersweet moment but this entire experience has been so much fun.

NOAH ~

My most memorable cohort experience was not just one thing, but multiple experiences throughout the program. One of the most memorable was when we went to LA and visited another test plot. It was so much fun because we were able to bond as a group, and I got to meet new people. We did a lot of walking, which I actually enjoyed, and throughout the day we made lots of jokes and took pictures of all the scenery and activities we did. Overall, that day was just amazing, and even the car ride there was fun.

My favorite part of that trip was when our Uber dropped us off pretty far away from where we were supposed to meet the group. We had to walk all the way over there, but we weren’t even sure if we were going in the right direction. The whole time we were making jokes and laughing about it, which made it even more memorable. Looking back, that unexpected walk ended up being one of the funniest parts of the day.

Another memorable experience was when we went to the test plot on a really hot day. We spent the day working outside, and by the end everyone was tired from being in the heat. However, after we finished working, we got to use these little water squirters and had a water fight. It was so much fun because everyone was running around trying to get each other wet. I was getting almost everyone, and at one point I was even able to pick up a bucket of water and dump it on someone, which was hilarious. Right after that, someone got revenge and dumped a bucket of water on me. Even though I got soaked, it made the experience even funnier.

Overall, these experiences helped me bond with the cohort and created memories that I will remember for a long time.

ANGEL ~

Being a part of Cohort 9 was a very meaningful experience for me because I learned a lot about plants, teamwork, and how technology can help improve the growing process. Throughout the program, my group and I worked together to study different types of plants and understand what they need in order to grow healthy and strong. We learned that plants need the right amount of sunlight, water, nutrients, and healthy soil to survive. One of the most interesting things I learned was how every plant grows differently depending on its environment and level of care.

What made the experience even better was being able to work with my group while using AI to help us learn more about plants and the process of growing them. We used AI to research plant information, understand growth stages, and find better ways to care for the plants we were studying. AI helped us answer questions faster and gave us useful ideas about how to improve plant growth. By working together and using technology, we were able to learn more efficiently and understand the science behind plants in a deeper way. I especially enjoyed learning about germination and how a small seed can slowly grow into a healthy plant over time. Watching the process happen taught me patience, responsibility, and the importance of teamwork. My group communicated with each other, shared ideas, and helped solve problems whenever we faced challenges. This experience also helped me realize how technology and nature can work together to create better results.

Overall, being in Cohort 9 was an amazing opportunity because I gained knowledge about plants, learned how AI can support learning, and improved my teamwork skills. It was an experience that helped me grow both academically and personally while developing a greater appreciation for plants and the growing process.

Cohort 9: Most Memorable Experiences

Cohort 9: Guide to Environmental Sensing For Your Garden