Having worked all my life, (OK, so I didn't actually work for the first 15 years of my life, but I've more than made up for it ever since), I never suspected that once I actually got into a position of not having to work to make ends meet, that I would actually seek out, well, work!

For the past 20 years, the greater Jackson Hole area has been a second home for me - more like a refuge, really. I came out here with my young son during the summer to enjoy the coolness, serenity, and peace that comes from a tree canopied hike, or a dip in a brisk, clear lake.

Eventually, I began to stay in Jackson for a month at a time, gradually increasing my stay to all summer long. Visiting Grand Teton National Park allowed me an escape from my stressed urban environment back home. I have come to understand that I needed the Park. I didn't know 20 years ago that the Park - indeed the entire National Park system - would be a constant source of solace and peace to me and my entire family.

This summer, I plan to work as a National Park Volunteer in Grand Teton National Park. I am so looking forward to it!

My personal hope is that our visitors will let go of their own stresses, and relax, taking back with them the memories of a peace that comes from a tree canopied hike, or a dip in a brisk, clear lake.