AnnMarie Carley-Mimm – GHC Student Spotlight
Bachelor of Applied Science in Forest Resource Management
Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Forest Resource Management, AnnMarie Carley-Mimm’s time at Grays Harbor College has been full of hands-on learning, personal growth, and exciting field experiences.
Exploring Forest Resource Management
AnnMarie is enthusiastic about her studies and loves to share how her program is designed to give students real-world experience. “Last week, we literally lit things on fire just to see how they burn,” she said with a laugh, referencing one of the many projects she’s been able to participate in throughout her degree path. “The program is really good about making sure that everyone has field experience instead of just talking about it. We learn more by doing, and they (the instructors) do a great job of that.”
AnnMarie’s path to this program was full of twists and turns. She had originally pursued Psychology back in 2012, but she realized that working with people just wasn’t her calling. In 2013-2014, she took a job with the Conservation Corps which opened her eyes to a whole new passion: working in the great outdoors. She knew then that a career in forest management was the best fit for herself. After this realization, AnnMarie decided to pursue her AAS in Forestry Tech at GHC. After she graduated in Spring of 2024, she continued her education by enrolling in the Bachelor of Applied Science program in Forest Resource Management.
Exciting Learning Opportunities
AnnMarie’s experience at GHC has been filled with exciting learning opportunities. As part of her AAS degree program, she explored different ecological regions across Washington State. One of her most memorable experiences was a week-long camping trip, where she and her classmates drove throughout the state to study diverse forest ecosystems. “It was a great way to bond with my classmates and learn how to safely operate machinery outside of the classroom,” she said.
Another standout project involved creating a resource management plan for a local landowner. “We were assigned a forest plot, and it was up to us to design a management plan,” she explained. “It was a great step into the workforce while being guided by someone with over 30 years of experience.”
Favorite GHC Memories
When asked about her favorite memories, AnnMarie was excited to talk about her recent work harvesting seeds from cone operations, saying, “It’s been fun cutting down trees and pulling out seeds to plant in the greenhouse.” She also looks back on the ecology trip as a highlight, noting how it helped her to form stronger relationships with her classmates.
Looking Ahead: Career Goals
After completing a summer internship with Weyerhaeuser, AnnMarie knows she wants to work for them long-term. “They were a great fit for me,” she shared. “I’m in my 30s with three kids and need stability. I’ve bounced around figuring out what I want, and now I’m ready to dedicate myself to one place.”
She is also exploring opportunities with other local timber companies such as Green Diamond and Sierra Pacific Industries, all to stay local and contribute to forest and timber management in the area.
Support from the GHC Community
AnnMarie credits GHC with providing her with the resources she needs to succeed. “The staff is incredibly supportive. If you’re struggling, they’re always willing to go the extra mile to make sure you have what you need,” she said. “Without that level of support, I wouldn’t have been able to continue.”
Her advice to other students? “Explore everything that interests you. Don’t put it off or worry about whether it’s the right path. It's always worth chasing down every avenue, even if only to learn more about it.”
A Final Thought
When AnnMarie was asked if she had any last words to share, she said with a smile, “Hope you have a good day! Wear stretchy pants if you can, and keep a spare rain jacket in the back of your truck. Oh, and watch out for bears!”