We’ve got someone we’d like you to meet! Our new Project Zero intern, Tai’Anne.

Hello, my name is Tai’Anne Smith and I am the communications intern for the Deschutes River Conservancy. I am 22 years old and I am from Warm Springs, Oregon, where I was raised.

My internship with the DRC is part of a program through PGE called Project Zero. Project Zero is dedicated to helping young people learn about climate change science, exploring clean energy and making a positive impact on the planet though volunteerism and internship program.

As soon as I heard about this program, I was nervous and wasn’t too sure if this was something I was going to give a try. Growing up and living in Warm Springs has been challenging because living in a small town, if you let it, it makes you think small or close minded. When I was a kid, I thought I would need to leave the reservation and head for the city to pursue my dreams of film making, business ownership and storytelling.

Project Zero and my internship with the DRC is giving me the opportunity to get paid, on-the-job training in areas I’m passionate about while working remotely in my own community.

I am still planning to live in the city one day but for now I am taking the opportunities given to me and that’s what this internship is for me. I am getting the chance to explore different possibilities that I never thought I would have, and I’m so excited to see where this might lead me!