“My name is Emily Fleischer and I’m a Political Science and Gender and Women’s Studies double major at VCU! In my time with Laura, I’ve found that James River Soil and Water is vital to the community to the benefit of all people and the environment. It’s remarkable how Soil and Water is able to give so much money to those in the community that impacts how food is grown right here in Chesterfield and Prince George. We get life from the soil our food is grown in. Soil and Water both cares about our soil and actively works to better our lands. Through this organization, I have learned so much about government organizations that are largely overlooked yet are vital for protecting the environment. I had no idea there was so much existing knowledge and work being done right in my community. My favorite thing I’ve done for the internship was being able to read and discuss policy with Laura that was voted on at the Virginia Soil and Water Annual Meeting.”