End of Summer Reflections with Julia

As my time here in Ely comes steadily to a close, I find myself reflecting on these past couple months. I am an environmental studies major finishing up my bachelor’s degree in Richmond, Virginia, and I knew I wanted two things for my summer: to live in a new environment, and to find work in a wilderness-edge community. Once hearing I got an internship in Ely, Minnesota, I jumped at the opportunity. I had never been to Minnesota before, let alone Ely, and did not know what to expect. Going in blind, I could only hope to meet a few like-minded people and finally see these Boundary Waters that everyone talks about. My expectations were exceeded on both fronts. 

Upon arrival, I quickly looked into what community events I could get involved in. I had a few days before my internship started and wanted to get to know the area and the people. I started attending yoga classes, where one of the attendees mentioned a barn dance hosted by the Ely Folk School to celebrate their 10 year anniversary. It was the kind of event that, back home, I would not have considered going to. But being in a new environment with no familiar faces, I wanted to push myself slightly out of my comfort zone. I wanted to say yes to things that intimidated me. With this mindset, I was able to see the breadth of everything Ely has to offer. 

The barn dance was, of course, a blast. Members of the community young, old, and everywhere in between came together to enjoy the company and the live music. This is a common theme in Ely – people from all walks of life brought together to share meals, memories, and music. I knew I had found a place filled with kindred spirits. 

My weeks quickly filled with exciting new opportunities. Sundays were for morning yoga with the warm and friendly Carol. Mondays were for rehearsals with the city band, directed by the talented Karl Kubiak, in which I played the flute for the first time in 5 years. Tuesdays for the weekly farmer’s market, with goods spanning from fresh fruit to handmade stuffed animals. Also on this day was Tuesday Group, a weekly lecture held at the Grand Ely Lodge hosted by the wonderful Lacey Squire. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn for free with your community from the authors of Minnesota’s most comprehensive birding book, artists speaking on the importance of patronage, and many, many more knowledgeable individuals.  

What struck me most about my time here in Ely has been how welcoming the community is. In my experience, there can be a certain amount of standoffishness around newcomers, especially seasonal newcomers. When I first arrived, I did not know a single person here. Now, as I walk down the street, I see familiar faces and enthusiastic waves everywhere I go. Ely has welcomed me with open arms, made me feel a part of the community, and has truly made it difficult for me to leave.