I grew up fiercely loyal to Lake Huron. So when I accepted a position on the shores of Lake Michigan, it felt a bit like I was cheating on the waters that raised me. I half expected the waves to whisper, “traitor,” every time I dipped a toe in.
Rivalries and jokes aside, there’s something uniquely special about the Great Lakes community: an unmistakable sense of connection and collaboration that sets it apart. In my work and travels across the country, from coast to coast, I’ve taken part in environmental research and volunteer projects in a wide range of ecosystems. While the passion and dedication in marine conservation are undeniable, efforts can sometimes feel fragmented. There are so many important causes, but they don’t always move in concert.
The Great Lakes, despite their vastness, feel more like a small town when it comes to the people working to protect them. There’s a real sense of familiarity, where collaboration often starts with “I know someone you should talk to,” and partnerships grow naturally through shared passion and experiences. It’s incredibly grounding to return to my home state and contribute to local environmental initiatives while drawing on both my personal roots and professional connections to support the place I’ve always loved most.
My time at Inland Seas Education Association (ISEA) has also been an incredible opportunity to explore a new path. For a long time, I was set on pursuing research, a direction encouraged by many of my academic mentors. But after gaining some experience in the job market, I quickly realized that science means very little without strong communication. Over time, I fell in love with storytelling and sharing scientific discoveries with a wide range of audiences.
Before coming to ISEA, most of my environmental education experience involved teaching the public about terrestrial wildlife. So when I decided to return to Michigan and stumbled upon the ISEA internship, it felt like the perfect opportunity: a chance to merge my growing passion for science communication with my deep-rooted love and knowledge of Michigan’s aquatic ecosystems.
And it proved to be exactly that. My time at ISEA has brought together many of my favorite things: being on the water, sharing the importance of environmental science topics, and, to my delight, learning some long-desired sailing skills. Sure, spending nine hours on a chilly boat during those early spring days was exhausting, and yes, my toes were definitely frozen by the end of those 40-degree shifts. But every cold minute was worth it when I got to witness students squealing with excitement at the sight of their first plankton or grinning proudly after raising a sail with their classmates. These moments reminded me of how truly special these ecosystems are, from the tiniest creatures within them to the time spent out on the water experiencing it all. As born-and-raised Michiganders, it’s easy to take these natural treasures for granted. Seeing them through the students’ eyes, as if for the first time, was a powerful experience.
Ultimately, returning to Michigan and joining ISEA reminded me that big, meaningful change doesn’t always begin in big places. Sometimes, the most impactful work happens quietly: on the deck of a schooner, in conversations between strangers turned friends, or in the wide-eyed curiosity of a student seeing the Great Lakes in a new light. Right here in Suttons Bay, incredible things are happening every day, driven by brilliant, passionate people who care deeply about this place and its future.
The sense of community at ISEA is something I’ll carry with me on my next endeavors. It’s a place where everyone brings their own story, their own perspective, and their own way of contributing to a shared mission. I’m so grateful for the thoughtful conversations, the laughter, and the genuine connections I made. I wanted to say a huge thank you to all the wonderful people I met this spring. Thank you for welcoming me, inspiring me, and reminding me of the power of curiosity, collaboration, and care. I’m leaving with a full heart and a deep appreciation for everything this experience has given me, both professionally and personally. It’s given me another reason to proudly smile when I tell people that Michigan is my home. But don’t get it twisted: I am still a Lake Huron girl to my core.
This blog was written by Spring Education Intern Cassidy Beach. If you would like to share your story of Great Lakes adventure please contact us at marketing@schoolship.org.
