eeCorps Members: Where Are They Now? Featuring Annika Anzjon
- Annika Anzjon
- 26 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Where can a year of eeCorps service take you? In our blog series “Where Are They Now?”, we reconnect with former eeCorps members to explore how their service year shaped their career paths. Each story highlights the unique paths members have taken after completing their term — whether they continued in environmental education (EE) or carried their experience into a new field, one thing remains consistent: their eeCorps year played a role in where they are today.
When I first joined eeCorps, I never imagined how much of an impact the experience would have on both my career path and my personal growth. At the time, I was working as a naturalist, spending my days teaching programs, educating visitors, caring for animals, and developing educational resources. What began as a temporary role quickly became a space for growth and discovering what kind of professional I wanted to be.
One of the most meaningful parts of my time with eeCorps was the opportunity to connect people with nature in a hands-on, approachable way.
Whether I was leading programs, answering questions, or working behind the scenes, I learned how powerful environmental education can be when it’s rooted in curiosity rather than perfection. I also gained invaluable experience in communication, adaptability, and teamwork—skills that continue to shape how I approach my work today.
Since leaving my role as an eeCorps member led by the Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education (KACEE), my career has continued to evolve in exciting ways. I am continuing to work as a Naturalist at Great Plains Nature Center – my host site during my time with AmeriCorps. Here, I focus on environmental education, outreach, animal care and enrichment, and other behind the scenes roles.
Eventually, I will be taking the experience and skills I’ve gained with these organizations with me as I travel across to country to fulfill my lifelong goal of working in marine conservation and rehabilitation. Although my job title may change, many of the values and lessons I gained during my time with eeCorps will remain at the core of what I do.
Looking back, my experiences as a former service member have helped prepare me for the challenges and opportunities I face now and those that have yet to come.
From learning how to adapt programming on the fly, to understanding the importance of meeting people where they are, my time with eeCorps laid a strong foundation for both professional and personal growth. It also reaffirmed my desire to work in spaces that value conservation, education, and community impact.
Outside of work, I continue to seek out opportunities to stay connected to nature. I enjoy hiking, camping, wildlife observation, and I’m always looking for ways to learn more and share that knowledge with others. These passions are a direct reflection of the environment I was encouraged to explore and grow in during my time with KACEE. I’m incredibly grateful for the experiences, mentors, and memories that came from that chapter of my life, and I carry them with me as I continue forward.
Annika Anzjon, former eeCorps service member, dedicated a year of service to environmental education and community engagement at her host site, the Great Plains Nature Center. During her term, she supported programs that connected people of all ages to the natural world. After successfully completing her time with eeCorps, she transitioned into a full-time role at the Nature Center, continuing her commitment to education, stewardship, and making nature accessible to all.
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