Samuel’s

OA Marine Hub Reflection

Expectation Vs. Reality

When I first started my internship, my expectations revolved around adapting to a new environment and forming connections with my fellow interns. I was particularly eager to witness the rich marine life in a protected area. However, the actual experience surpassed these expectations. Not only did I have the chance to immerse myself in the coral restoration program, but I also actively participated in beach clean-ups and engaged in a climate-smart kitchen gardening program.

The most impactful experience I had

The visit to Futures Hope Montessori School left a lasting impact on me. Interacting with students from underprivileged backgrounds and engaging in fun activities and learning sessions proved to be a truly enriching experience. This encounter shed light on the importance of education for disadvantaged communities and highlighted the role of marine conservation in poverty reduction. It expanded my understanding of the significance of education, conservation, and community empowerment in shaping our planet’s future.

Personal and Professional growth

My internship at the Marine Hub contributed significantly to both my personal and professional development. It allowed me to enhance my videography skills and further develop my abilities in teamwork and leadership. Collaborating with a diverse team, comprising individuals from various backgrounds and skill sets, I had the opportunity to document the activities of Oceans Alive through photography and videography. These experiences will undoubtedly benefit me in my future career by enabling me to effectively collaborate in team settings and meet deadlines for assigned deliverables.

Challenge faced and lesson learned

One significant challenge during my internship was adapting to the fast-paced daily routine. However, I overcame this obstacle by creating a well-structured schedule that enabled me to manage my time effectively. Through this experience, I learned the importance of time management in achieving personal and organizational goals.

The most surprising moment/thing

The enthusiasm and eagerness to learn displayed by the local community were the most surprising aspects of my internship experience. It challenged my initial assumptions about their level of awareness regarding environmental conservation. Witnessing their dedication and commitment to learning had a profound impact on me, reshaping my perspective on sustainability and environmental conservation. It emphasized the crucial role of education and community empowerment in driving successful conservation initiatives.

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Interections with the community

Interacting with the local community provided valuable insights into their culture, values, and way of life. It reinforced my belief in the importance of community involvement in conservation initiatives. Witnessing their commitment and passion for environmental conservation further inspired me to pursue my career aspirations as an environmental conservationist.

Alignment with career aspirations

The internship experience perfectly aligned with my career aspirations and personal goals as an environmental conservationist. It helped me gain clarity regarding my interests in community empowerment, education, and environmental conservation. Through this experience, I realized the significance of incorporating these elements into future conservation initiatives.

If given the opportunity again

If I were given the opportunity to do the internship again, I would focus on engaging in more community-based initiatives. By doing so, I believe I could gain deeper insights into the needs and challenges faced by the community. My advice to future interns would be to embrace teamwork, remain open to learning from others, and create a well-structured schedule to effectively manage their time.

Meaningful connections

The most meaningful connection I formed during my internship was with the Oceans Alive team. Witnessing their remarkable efforts in marine conservation had a profound impact on my overall experience. Their dedication and passion inspired and motivated me to pursue a career in marine conservation. Their guidance and support played a crucial role in shaping my internship journey.

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