A love letter to The Western Section

I will preface this letter by saying it is truly intended for all of our Sections, Chapters, Student Chapters, Working Groups and Communities. Your work to provide year-round member support and community at the local level is essential to the overall well-being of our members and the profession. However, I just returned from the Western Section’s meeting in Visalia, California, so the Section is fresh on my mind and in my heart. Wishing you all a Happy Valentine’s Day.  

Dear Western Section of The Wildlife Society,

I hope this letter finds you amid a glorious day in nature amongst the beautiful landscapes that you call home. My admiration and affection for all that you and your members do know no bounds, but I write today to express my gratitude for the enlightenment you have bestowed upon me over three short days.

Last week, I didn’t know what to expect as I traversed the country for your meeting. I have traveled to many organization unit meetings before, but this was the first time I had visited with a Section since COVID. I worried about how things might have changed between us. I wondered if it would still feel the same as I remembered. After all, much has changed in the past five years.

As I walked through the convention center doors, I knew something felt different. At first, I struggled to identify the feeling. The event looked the same. The exhibit hall was bustling with traffic, and the members greeted each other with smiles. By all accounts, this was a well-organized, well-attended and well-liked meeting.

Then, I realized something—it wasn’t you; it was me. I had changed. I was nervous. Before COVID, I had unbridled confidence to enter an unfamiliar room with an unfamiliar crowd, bolstered by a strong (but ultimately false) sense of self-worth. Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t summon the confidence that once came so easily. What had changed?

Two years of isolation followed by a few more years of remote work certainly zapped me of some social skills, but this felt much deeper. Without regular external engagement, I was left with years of self-reflection. I developed a deeper sense of my values but also a distinct awareness of my flaws and past failures. During this time, I also experienced the profound sense of humility that comes from starting a family, including seeing beyond my ego, accepting imperfection and discovering the full spectrum of daily emotions that accompany watching your children grow. Having my priorities and perspectives shifted meant that my ability to perform was now gone.

With my false bravado stripped, I was left feeling exposed. Though I didn’t expect this, the palpable passion and dedication of your members lifted me to a place of genuine self-worth. I was moved by the kindness and openness of everyone present, and though at times I could sense disagreements, those disagreements never turned to conflict. Your members engaged with authenticity, communicated with respect and rallied around the shared values that united us all.

I left Visalia, moved by what I had experienced. I no longer felt burdened by the weight of external validation but free to embrace my true self and be accepted for it. In the words of your Capstone presenter, Earyn McGee, I felt “brave enough to believe that we have the power to create a better world.” Your work is a testament to the power of collective action and the difference that a group of committed individuals can make.

Please know that your efforts do not go unnoticed. I know I am not alone and that the impact of your work and the community you create is felt far and wide. Thank you for welcoming me. Thank you for inspiring me. Thank you for always moving us forward.

With heartfelt gratitude and admiration,

Cameron Kovach