Photo: Courtesy of Andreana Lin
Tina Dudley
Meet Andreana J. Lin, a member of ASNV’s recently launched program to engage younger birders, Nextgen Birders for Conservation (Nextgen). In addition to bird watching, Andreana’s hobbies include breakdancing, baking, and karaoke. She’s a 2022 graduate of George Mason University with a B.F.A. in Creative Writing and a double minor in Conservation Studies and Professional and Technical Writing. She was a University Scholar, one of only 20 students in her class to receive a full tuition scholarship to GMU, and graduated with an impressive 3.96 GPA.
Andreana had a run-in with some geese as a toddler, making her wary of birds during her childhood. It wasn’t until she took Prof. Stephanie Lessard-Pilon’s birding practicum at Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation in 2020 that she found a passion for birding. As a project for that class, Andreana created a wooden model comparing wingspans and other facts about selected birds. The model is now on display at the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum. She credits her weekly bird walks with Prof. Lessard-Pilon for opening her heart and mind to the beauty of birds and the natural environment.
On how birding benefits her life, Andreana says, “Birding has given me the ability to perceive my everyday life more vividly. I notice the rustling in the shrubs. I notice the wing bars on a northern mockingbird, the chitter-chatter of European starlings, the cat-like wails of gray catbirds, and the owl-like coos of mourning doves. I notice the beetles scurrying on the ground. I see my surroundings through a brighter, bolder lens full of natural curiosity, warmth, and inspiration, and I have birding to thank for that.” In encouraging new birders, she recommends, “Go birding in your everyday life -- in your backyard, your neighborhood, your town, your city. You can bird with just your eyes and ears on your walk to school just as much as you can with a $200 binocular set at a marsh or forest.”
It can be challenging to have a hobby outside the norm for your age group, which is why Andreana was thrilled to find Nextgen on Meetup. Andreana has attended almost every Nextgen event held so far and is on the leadership team organizing future events. She offers a glowing review: “Really love this group! Nextgen is such a welcoming, adaptable, and diverse group with a wide variety of events. I’ve been inviting my friends and little brothers to the events as well!”
As a recent graduate, Andreana also welcomes the networking opportunities Nextgen offers. She is eager to explore career paths where she can combine her skills in program management, community organizing, and telling stories to benefit birds and the environment. Through Nextgen she can connect with other ASNV members, many of whom have had successful careers in the environmental and conservation fields and may be able to help her reach her goals.
Nextgen members, from left to right: Sam Criscuolo (23), Sohan Tamang (28), Maheen Hussain (22) and Andreana J. Lin (22), attending the Birding by Ear Field Trip led by Colt Gregory. Photo: Tina Dudley.