My first week with Urban Rivers kicked off at a fast pace. Between team introductions and settling into the office, I was given a tour of the Wild Mile: an incredible floating eco-park that, despite its name, is ironically not yet a mile long. Looking at my packed Google Calendar on day one, filled with community kayaking, workshops, and high school field trips, group meetings every Tuesday, I knew immediately that this role would be incredibly dynamic, fast-moving, and would extend far beyond my core project.

Speaking of the project, my focus has shifted in ways I couldn't have imagined before arriving. When I first connected with Urban Rivers, I planned to focus on plant species identification and weeding. However, once I was on the ground and collaborating with the team, I realized how I could enact the most meaningful change. As a second-year law student at Durham, I recognized that my legal and analytical skills could be put to much better use.

Now, alongside supporting our daily community endeavours, I am diving into the regulatory side of things. Specifically researching municipal funding and permitting in the Chicago area to help Urban Rivers achieve their ultimate goal of extending the Wild Mile. My project specifically investigates the logistics of Open Space Impact Fees (OSIF), analysing funding availability in surrounding communities, and translating these complex legal systems into a clear, educational poster.

These past few weeks have truly tested and reflected both my character and change-maker values. I've had to move fast to meet oncoming deadlines, stay curious even when I know that I cannot conceptualise everything there is to know in such a short time, and remain determined to leave a meaningful impact here in Chicago and proudly represent Urban  Rivers.