By Sydney Howard,
Flow Summer Legal Intern –
This summer, I traded my usual Carolinian life for something completely new – I moved to Traverse City, Michigan, for a three-month internship with Flow Water Advocates. I had never been to the state, didn’t know anyone, and moved into a house with strangers. It was a big leap, but I wanted to challenge myself and see what I could learn, both professionally and personally.
Working at Flow gave me the chance to be involved in meaningful projects that connected legal research to real-world advocacy.
One of my main projects was researching the proposed Michigan Potash fracking operation, a large industrial project with significant implications for wetlands and nearby communities. I examined its permitting history, environmental risks, and potential legal challenges, and visited the site to speak with resident advocates. I also contributed to the filing of a successful permit appeal that led the EPA to withdraw all Underground Injection Control permits in their entirety. Seeing firsthand how legal work shapes policy and impacts communities was an invaluable part of my growth as a future environmental lawyer.
LEFT: From Left to right, Executive Director Liz Kirkwood, Staff Attorney Kacey Cook, Legal Intern Sydney Howard, Legal Assistant Chelsea Faber and Operations Manager Stephanie Kimball enjoy a night at the ball park with the Traverse City Pit Spitters. RIGHT: From Left to right, Chelsea Faber, Sydney Howard, Legal Director Carrie La Seur and Legal Intern Tori Tran go sailing on Boardman Lake in Traverse City.
But this summer was more than just work – it was about experiencing northern Michigan in all its glory. I biked everywhere; learned to stand-up paddleboard on crystal clear water; visited Mackinac Island; and hiked the dunes at Sleeping Bear. I spent weekends browsing local bookstores and lingering in coffee shops. I tried dozens of restaurants, enjoyed wine at vineyards overlooking Lake Michigan, and ate more ice cream than I care to admit. Along the way, strangers became friends, and Traverse City started to feel like my home away from home.
What I learned about Traverse City is that it’s not just beautiful, it’s a place where water is at the center of life. Protecting it isn’t just a legal issue; it’s a community value. What I learned about myself is that I can adapt to new environments, build connections quickly, and step confidently into challenges I once found intimidating. And what I learned about the law is that it’s most powerful when it’s grounded in the people and places it serves.
I’m leaving Michigan with sharper skills, an enhanced sense of purpose, and a deep gratitude for the people who made this place feel like home so quickly. Take this as a sign to say yes to adventure, and to challenge yourself in the process.
