Emma Wickman is proud to be inesting her skills in her hometown. Raised on San Juan Island, Wickman is no stranger to the islands, the community, or the abundant stories that need telling. Now, as the County’s Digital Content Intern, she’s giving back to the community that raised her by helping connect residents to County news, events, and information in new and inventive ways. 
What do you do as the Digital Content Intern?
“I’ve been interning at the County for six months and I’ve worked on all sorts of projects. I can wear a lot of different hats which has given me great experience in a short amount of time. My main responsibilities are maintaining our social media pages and fixing things on the website. I’ve also written press releases, helped plan events, and supported the graphic design needs of the County Fair. I’ve been able to let out my creative side a bit and think about the best ways to deliver information in a new way.”
What was it like growing up on San Juan Island?
“It was great! I went through Lighthouse Preschool and the public school system here. I liked growing up in a small town – everyone knows you or your parents. I’ll still be walking around town and people will come up to me and say, ‘I knew you when you were two!’ which is always funny.”
“Growing up here gave me such a tight sense of community that I’ve come to cherish and try to extend through my adult life. All through college I looked for ways to connect with people and make a home for myself because that’s what I was used to. I grew up knowing that I could call up any one of these ten people and they’d be there for me. That’s what I appreciate about this community. We all have the shared experience of living on these islands.”
How have your San Juan Island roots helped you with your internship?
“After college I worked on a cruise ship for two years, but then started looking for a permanent situation. That’s when I saw this opportunity at the County. I think if you grow up in this community, you know how to serve it. Not to discredit anyone who didn’t grow up here, but I feel like living here helps you understand how to serve those that raised you.”
What do you enjoy about the internship?
“The internship program has been really great. My time at the County got extended – which was a big confidence boost and a great way to try something out for a couple months and see if it’s a good fit.”
“I’m currently in the process of planning a special 150th celebration of San Juan County’s anniversary. I’ve loved working on the 150th because it’s been fun to have some creative freedom. Being able to help the Parks and Fair Department with the Fair was also fun. I made all schedule banners for the Fair this year, they were hard to miss!”
What do you do for fun?
“I do calligraphy work on the side. I’ve done signs around the island like at Amaro Farms and Spring Street Deli. But I’ve been busy traveling so I want to get back into it! I love to go on hikes around the island with my dog, Olive. I also love a hot summer day at Eagle Cove with a good book. We live in a beautiful place, and I try to take advantage of that whenever I can.”
What career advice do you have for other island kids?
“If you see something that interests you off the island, then do it, because you’ll always have a place to come back home to. I traveled all over with my last job on the cruise ship, but my home base was always the island, and I know it always will be. So, I guess my advice is to get off the island to get out of your comfort zone but always know there’s a place for you back home.”
This profile is part of a series spotlighting San Juan County employees, the work they do, and the difference they make. Follow along each month to meet the staff responsible for making the Islands a wonderful place to live, work, and play.