By Denise Owens

When I decided to apply for a job at EPA in 1984, I had no idea what I was in store for. It was the first agency to call me back for an interview. So I decided to take the interview. After being hired, I started working in the Public Affairs / Press Office. I actually started with the agency because it was a job.

I was unaware of how enthusiastic people were to learn about the environment. At this moment in my life the environment was not my top priority. But after speaking to several reporters and private citizens, calling into the office speaking about the environment this actually grabbed my attention. It was amazing to hear the different perspectives that were being said about the environment.

I experienced working with the Press Office when Chernobyl was going on; however this is when the environment became my environment. It completely got my attention and that’s when I decided I needed to get more involved with the environment.

As of today, I’m still working with the agency and it has become a significant part of my life. Earth Day and EPA@40 gives me a great feeling to know that EPA is doing an excellent job and I’m proud to be a part of EPA.

About the author: Denise Owens has worked with the Environmental Protection Agency for over 25 years.

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.