“BIGI” Love for the Field of Interpretation

When I began working with California State Parks, it was shortly after COVID-19 restrictions had been lifted. I started as a park aide at Clear Lake State Park, newly introduced to “park life” and unaware of the incredible career opportunities this agency had to offer.

My first glimpse into the world of interpretation came when I watched the district’s Interpreter II and III lead a PORTScast in the park. The program focused on soil, decomposers, and the life within the leaf litter—how’s that for alliteration! I was tasked with manning the camera equipment, watching from the audience’s perspective. What I saw was both interpreters lying on the ground, faces inches from the dirt, magnifying glasses in hand, rediscovering the soil and its creatures with childlike wonder. Their enthusiasm was contagious. I went home that day thinking, “I want to do that! I want to ignite that spark in someone! I would totally lie on the ground and poke through the dirt for a PORTS program!” I didn’t know it then, but I would soon learn just how fulfilling it is to be an interpreter with CASP.

Fast forward three years, and I’m now a rookie interpreter with the Bay Area District! I have the privilege of working alongside a bright, talented, capable, quirky, and passionate team. They are dedicated to environmental and historical education, and as cliché as it sounds, I wake up every day excited to do this work alongside them. I feel empowered in my role, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Last month, I had the opportunity to attend BIGI training part of the Training Section’s 2024-2025 Training Schedule with some of my colleagues. Even though it was virtual, I finally feel like I have all the pieces to the puzzle of what makes a truly great interpreter. Our cohort included Interpreters, Guides, Senior Park Aides, and Park Interpretive Specialists from historic and natural parks, OHV parks, State Natural Reserves, and beach parks. The best part? Everyone was committed to staying present, broadening their perspectives, and engaging in meaningful conversations during the afternoon workshops. At a time when many of us needed support and connection, BIGI fostered creative problem-solving and idea-sharing—both invaluable in our field.

I left BIGI feeling grateful, inspired, and most importantly, reconnected with my “Why.” It’s easy to get caught up in the daily responsibilities of our jobs. Interpreters, guides, and those in interpretation-heavy positions do so much for our parks, and it’s not without its challenges. But our work is important—it inspires change, learning, and discovery. We may not always realize the impact we have on someone’s life.

My “Why” is to inspire, educate, and collaborate with the next generation of stewards because they are our future. I do this job because the idea of lying on the ground and exploring the dirt with kids on a Zoom call sounds like an absolute blast. But I also do it because interpretation is personal, it’s inspiring, and it has the power to create change. In uncertain times, it’s reassuring to know that we are the friendly faces greeting visitors, running PORTS programs, and building connections with our communities.

BIGI training reminded me why I love the field of interpretation, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to learn from, collaborate with, and work alongside such passionate people. Thank you to Cara O’Brien, Ty Smith, and Sara Skinner Marshall for making it all come together despite the challenges of going virtual—we wouldn’t be true interpreters if we couldn’t adapt on the fly!

 —Kaylie Williams, State Park Interpreter I, Bay Area District