Major
& Minor: Geography
UWEC
Standing and Expected Graduation Date: Graduated December 2012
Interests
and Hobbies: Guiding Whitewater, whitewater kayaking, climbing, making maps,
scuba, hiking, traveling, mt biking, and anything fun that keeps me moving
Internship
Employer: Charles Darwin Foundation
Length
of Employment: 3 months in the Summer of 2012
Basics
: Was your internship paid or unpaid? Did you register for credits? Why or Why
not? Did you create the internship or was it advertised? Where did you hear
about it? It was unpaid but I was there through a fellowship program that
Biology arranged. I did not register for classes because I didn't know I could
and I had plenty to graduate the following semester. It came to be through many
of my other research experiences and passion for adventure travel. I heard
about it through my advisor and she heard about it through the Biology
department.
What
were your specific job responsibilities?
I
was in charge of geographic support for the Research Station. I had a variety
of tasks while I was there. It started out slow, sifting and organizing the
hundreds of geospatial data they have accumulated. After that was done we
started to take on a cartographic edge by creating locator maps for the
supporting scientists who work down there. We then started to take on a field
aspect to the position by accompanying the marine biologists in order to find a
GPS tracking device that fell off of a large fish they were tracking. We then
took on a support role for all of the geographic knowledge they store in their
database. This was interesting because we started to use many different open
source GIS solutions to store, access, and manipulate their data. From there
and with difficultly in the connection of these systems we trained the in house
scientists how to access and manipulate geospatial information. This included a
standardization on storing their information so others could accurately know
what they were dealing with.
What
do you think gave you to edge to get the internship?
I
had done previous biodiversity research with Christina Hupy in Honduras which
incorporated allowed for a great base layer of international work and the
strategies to help in conservation. I also worked at the Environmental
Adventure Center which created an adventurous edge to my academic pursuits.
Was
it a valuable experience?
Every
experience is valuable. It was a great opportunity to become exposed to an
international level of conservation. Having worked in a country and even more
so an island you start to appreciate the little things that you don't realize
in a University setting. Living in an environment where people vacation opens
your eyes while adjusting your idea of normal to a whole new level. It's also
an experience that was so rich with new information and ideas that upon return
it's hard for others to gain perspective if they weren't there with you. It
helped me grow not only academically and as a geographer but allowed for me to
take on new aspects of my own character and push myself to where I am now.
How
did the logistics work for you? Did you have to move?
Logistics
were handled by the Biology professor who accompanied us for a short period of
time when we were there. I ended up moving to Puerto Ayora, a small town on the
island of Santa Cruz for the summer months. It was one of those things where
you can't pass it up and then things happen so quick your all of a sudden
sitting in the middle of the Pacific Ocean saying to yourself "Wow, I'm
here. This is real."
What
advice can you give to those who are looking for an internship?
First,
college is an expensive way to help foster your passion. Passion helps you
learn your character. If you have a half ass attitude towards what you like in
life your going to get a job that shows that. If you want something, work
towards steps that will get you there. Once you know yourself it's easy to
start going in a certain direction because one thing leads to the next. Do something
that pushes your passion and don't just do it, do it with heart and the stoke
for the sole fact you like doing it regardless of the money. That fact right
there will get you further than anything. Put your heart into something and it
will reward you. Let your happiness to be doing something be part of your
paycheck. However, nothing will start to happen unless you don't get up and do
it. Break out of your comfort zone. I'm looking at a quote on my desk right now
that says "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." Yes it may
suck that what your currently doing isn't fun or cool but as long as it relates
to your goal it is teaching you things that you need to acquire before you find
your zen job. So my advice to those looking for an internship is that you
shouldn't be looking for an internship if your mom wants you to or your
professor is posting them. You should be looking for something that drives you,
rattles your bones, and allows you to go 100% at it because your passionate
about it. Get up, set goals, and get up each day with the intent on pursing
those goals. Life is great so learn, fail, adventure, seek, explore, and do
what ya love because your only here once.
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