Samia's first week

It's wonderful to be an intern at the SC Aquarium! I've had experiences that I probably wouldn't get anywhere else. As I've been warned, the first day was the hardest. I'm slowly getting used to it all as the days go by. I still wake up in the morning excited about going to work and I'm proud to say that I work as an intern at the SC Aquarium.

I'm looking forward to knowing a lot of informtaion about exhibits. Right now, there's still a lot to take in, but I feel competent enough to learn most of it. I know that my summer experience here will be a great one.

-Samia

Kieontay's first week

The first week was a learning experience. Of course, the first day was a little nerve racking but as the days went on I could feel myself at ease. The week also was made better by all of the staff and co-interns who helped brighten our days.

- Kieontay

Keomba's first week

It was great! I am having soooo much fun! I was really nervous my first day, like literally freaking out! My mom was giving my advice and saying that I was going to be fine. She was right (cause I'm awesome like that :)). But seriously, everyone was super nice to all of us interns and they made us feel right at home.

I soon started to get in the swing of things. I am having a blast wearing my super cool sea turtle costume!! It's like I was made to wear it. Plus, I look pretty cute!! I love learning and teaching people about the Aquarium and the environment. This is the best first job EVER!

-Keomba

Helena's first week

Awesome! I enjoyed every single day. Although I got home exhausted, working at the Aquarium is an invigorating experience. I'm happy that this internship is my first job because it's fun and teaching me how to both work behind the scenes and on the floor. One minute I can be sunning sea turtles and the next I can be telling a guest all about stingrays or how to get to the restrooms.

I actually was nervous on my first day but as soon as I saw Kathy's and Kate's big smiles and the other interns, I knew everything was going to be fine. I really love the positive atmosphere the Aquarium has. Everyone seems to truly enjoy their job.

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep, I LOVE working at the Aquarium !!!

-Helena

Nijeeah's first week

I have to say I was definitely pleasantly surprised. This is my second job and I know how jobs can be. So on the first day of work, I was extremely nervous. I guess you can say I had a few butterflies in my stomach as I walked from my car to the docking area of the Aquarium, now using my handy fob.

The nerves began to subside as I saw the familiar faces of Kathy, Kate, a few other interns and some unfamiliar but nevertheless friendly faces of a few volunteers at my first briefing. Later in the week, I began to find the briefings comforting as they were chances to meet new people and find out new information on the Aquarium.

Since the first day of work, I find myself growing tremendously. I have since taken out the alligators and the snakes out on the floor, handling them somewhat with confidence, ease and pleasure. Who would have thought?

-Nijeeah

Rebecca's first week

My first week as an intern was great. The first day, I was a little nervous but as the day went on it got a lot easier.

When I started working at the touch tank, I fell in love with it. It's my favorite place to work at, besides holding the gators. On the first day, I started practicing picking up and holding the gators. At first, I was scared but as the week went on, I got a lot better at it and now it is so easy and I love it.

I'm still working on picking up the snakes. They still scare me a litte. While as an exhibit guide, I got many questions from visitors. The most common one is where is the bathroom. By the end of the week, I could anwser visitor questions very well.

I learned a lot this past week. I'm very excited to continue working throughout the summer.

-Rebecca

Shantell's first week

My first week as an intern was a real treat. I accomplished many things in such little time. Working with the other interns and with staff is really helping me get a feel as to what work is about.

I currently have two favorite exhibits: the upper Great Ocean Tank and the Salt Marsh. They truly fill me with awe and wonder. My two favorite carts are the bird and shark carts. We ran out of teeth in the first week!

I currently have two (now three, LOL) favorite snakes: Monty (ball python), George (Eastern kingsnake) and Orville (corn snake). They're awesome!

I'm truly enjoying myself here at the Aquarium. I even got a chance to meet Mr. Kevin Mills! I can honestly say I will be spending my college summer here at the Aquarium.

-Shantell

Jessica's first week

My first week was very fun and exciting. I had done a lot of cool things that I thought I would never do such as handling snakes and baby alligators.

While working I have also learned some new things along the way. I love working behind the touch tank, working at the Trading Post and doing cart programs and animal programs to educate and talk to visitors about certain animals here in the Aquarium.

My first week of work has been a blast and I hope that I can continue to make the rest of the summer fun and exciting also.

-Jessica

Quinandria's first week

My first week as an intern was a joyful experience. I met people from various places like Jamaica, Africa, Sweden and Russia.

I'm getting the opportunity to handle animals I would never expect to handle, like the American alligator. The thing that makes interning at the Aquarium so fun are both the staff and the children who are visiting. The staff here are so welcoming and friendly. The children who visit the Aquarium are so energetic and amazed at everything.

I love working here!

-Quinandria

Maisa's first week

My first week as an intern was even better than I anticipated. I had a great time meeting new people, our volunteers, and college interns.

Teaching our guests about the different animals we have at the SC Aquarium, handling different animals (like the American alligator) and learning new things each time I come are just some of the reasons I enjoy being a high school intern.

Time flies by every day, which shows how much fun I was having. I am so grateful that I got chosen as a paid high school intern!

-Maisa

The summer is underway!!!

So this is the first official week of the High School Intern Program! All the girls are starting this week and are off to a great start! There is a lot to learn, from the animals in the touch tank to how to hold a baby alligator to teaching visitors about sharks and sea turtles.

Each girl will be working 4 days a week, either having an afternoon or morning shift. For many of them, this is their first job experience and I know it will be a great one.

So far, I have seen them working well with visitors and with each other. They are up for trying new things and it is great to see them laughing and having fun.

So next time you stop by the Aquarium, keep your eyes out for the High School Interns and say hello - they will be happy to meet you.

-Kathy