My First Job: Jessie Alan

The Seattle Times Company

August 17, 2007

My First Job: Jessie Alan

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Jessie Alan

Now: Executive director

Then: Support staff for a leadership school

Current position: Executive director of Eco Encore

First job: The Pacific Northwest Branch of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) in Conway, Wash., depended on me to pack and deliver food, supplies and people to remote trailheads. The worst experience was when I forgot to downshift on a steep climb to Slate Peak in the Pasayten Wilderness. By the time we reached the summit, the van was totally fried. I was able to coast down the mountain and make it in to town, but when I got there, I realized that I'd left nearly $1,000 in camping equipment at the summit.

What I learned: Working independently and being accountable for the safety and well-being of an entire group of students and instructors, not to mention myself, takes real planning and attention to detail. I also learned resourcefulness, creativity, a cool head and a positive attitude could get me out of even the most embarrassing jams. Not only did I retrieve the camping equipment without having to return to the summit; I also got the van fixed in a day and made a new friend. People are remarkably kind if approached in the right manner!

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