It is the end of the summer....

Hard to believe but 8 weeks have just flown by! All of the interns will finish up this Sunday, August 7th and will start their senior years of high school about a week later. Where did the time go??? We knew this was going to happen so last week we did an end of the summer trip so all of us could be together one more time. Our day together included taking a boat ride out in Charleston Harbor and out to Morris Island, where we did a beach walk and found all kinds of cool things, like sand dollars and even shark teeth! Maisa found a really big shark tooth! We saw lots of dolphins and they were really close! Kate got really excited about seeing dolphins :) And we definitely got a lot of exercise - everyone was ready for a nap when we were done. Thanks to everyone at Lowcountry Cruises for making it such an awesome day!!!

After some ice cream (and needed sugar), we headed back to the Aquarium where we had our own private sleepover! We made a scrapbook from the summer and even made homemade ice cream (vanilla). We played games and even did some dancing with the Wii - Michael Jackson will always make me remember these girls! They have some dancing skills!
We didn't get much sleep but I know everyone had a great time! It is pretty cool to fall asleep by the Great Ocean Tank. Hopefully, the girls will be back to volunteer or at least visit. Good luck with your senior years and make sure to keep in touch!!!

So next up: another year of the High School Intern Program will be starting up this fall with recruitment visits to local high schools. So if you are interested in applying to be an intern for next year's program, check back to our website this fall for application details and deadlines.

-Kathy

Nijeeah's final blog

I still can't believe it is almost over - correction, I refuse to believe it is almost over. This has definitely been the best summer I've had in awhile. It pains me to think it is almost over. I've learned so much in these 8 weeks, not only about the "fawesome" Aquarium critters but also about myself. My advice for any newcomers is to just enjoy everything you get to do and soak up as much knowledge as you can.

-Nijeeah

Kieontay's final blog

It was a great experience and the best choice I ever made. If I could do it again, I would. I learned that things aren't given to you - you have to work. I was also taught that I had to be responsible for my accountability. Advice for students who would like to do this internship in the future: Do it because you want to do it and not because you feel you have to. When you love what you do, you won't feel like you are working. And when/if you get in, don't feel like it was owed to you. There were hundreds more wanting to be in your shoes so BE APPRECIATIVE!!

-Kieontay

Keomba's final blog

Geez, I can't believe it's come down to the final week so fast! This program was definitely worth applying to and all the training classes! I had a ton of fun working with all the animals and also really putting myself out of my comfort zone. Ever since my freshman year of high school, I promised myself to break out of my quiet shell. Since working as an intern, I have come out of that shell and I am more comfortable around huge crowds (and the Aquarium can get CROWDED). Also, working with animals (snakes, gators, birds, stingrays) that I never dreamed I would see has really strengthen my beliefs in animal rights! I have gained a new perspective on how people can affect animals and the environment without even knowing it.

It was great getting to know all of the other interns and volunteers and teaching visitors about the animals and seeing their faces when I bring out an animal!

My advice to Cortney and Ambri (future interns maybe? If I convince them to carry out the gator tradition blood line :) ) is to be open minded. Being an intern has challenged me to more responsible (with Kathy always around the corner :) ) and more of a people person. Honestly, there were times I didn't want to go out and talk to people or deal with Ron B. but by doing it, I gained the experience of a lifetime and I can say I have soooo many laughs about it!

I will truly miss everything and everyone and iI hope I can come back and volunteer.

-Keomba

Jessica's final blog

I'm really glad I had the chance to participate in this program. I love the SC Aquarium and this has been a great experience for me. I have learned a lot from working here. I've learned a lot about animals. I have increased my knowledge everyday.

Before working here, I was not a big fan of snakes but now I love them. I also enjoyed working with the birds. This program has inspired me to study for a career as a vet for exotic animals and not just cats and dogs but all animals.

This is my first real job - I don't want it to end but it has been a fun summer. I got to work with new friends and have a good time. The advice I would give to other kids is that this is a fun program that gives the perfect experience to work with animals and you get paid. It's perfect for students who love biology and animals. You also get to meet new people from different schools.

-Jessica

Rebecca's final blog

I really enjoyed doing the internship program. It gave me a chance to see if I would like to do this kind of job for a living. I hope that they keep having this program. I wish I could sign up for it again this year. I loved Ron the most out of all the animals in the Aquarium.

I learned tons of animal facts I didn't know before. I learned how to properly hold snakes and alligators. I gained the awesome experience and have decided that I want to study marine biology in college.

I also learned I love Kate's nickname "gray haired Kate". Ha ha ha.

Yes, my advice is to soak up as much knowledge as possible and enjoy the experiences you have.

-Rebecca

Samia's final blog

It's almost over already?! This is a job that I love to do and I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to do it. It was hard work getting in but I think it was well worth it. I've had a wonderful time here and got the chance to meet people from both all around the nation and outside of the country. I've learned even more patience here with both the animals and people. I've learned to just move on if people say no or if they aren't listening to what I'm saying. I've gained a LOT of knowledge from working here. Even on my eighth week, I'm still learning. I know a lot more than when I first came in but there's still a lot I don't know.

My advice for students that want to become interns? You have to truly want this job and you should give the training classes your all if you want this truly rewarding experience. You will have a lot of fun and you'll probably do things here that you've never done before. I'm going to miss the people and the animals here. Thank you Ms. Kathy and Ms. Kate for selecting me as an intern. I love it here and I'm definitely going to try to volunteer!

-Samia

Quinandria's final blog

I think I've said this in every blog I've written - I love interning here. It was a wonderful experience to learn new things and meet new people. The thing I gained most from this program was knowledge and a bigger desire to want to work with children in the future. I learned a lot about the different animals and regions of SC. I also gained lasting friendships -

Maisa: the quiet innocent one who always makes me laugh

Helena & Nijeeah: my two partners in crime - the chatmeisters! I've never gotten so close to people in a short period of time but I love these chicas!

Kieontay (K-Wizzle): my rap homie! Even though we go to the same school, we've gotten closer.

I enjoyed working with everyone else also.

My advice to anyone who wants to be an intern is to ALWAYS stay true to yourself. The competition for those ten slots are tough but let Kate and Kathy fall in love with who you are, not who you try to be. But most of all, be appreciative. If you get chosen to be in the training classes but not chosen for the internship, still appreciate the trips and the knowledge you gain in the process.

Remember to always smile - your smile can determine your future!

-Quinandria

Shantell's final blog

The internship program will probably be the best job I'll ever have. It was an adventure every day! I developed many skills, even being able to conquer speaking in front of a group of people. The program taught me a lesson as well, being a "Fred" is the best thing ever. I learned that as long as you have a positive attitude, the right mind set, a smile and people on your side, you'll do wonderful. I gained new friends, more career skills and a more mature mind.

The advice I would give to students interested in this program is to just be yourself. If you love learning and you know how to have fun then you'll do great. A friendly attitude and a curious mind can get you far. I enjoyed this 2 month job program as well as the training classes and our new friends (Monty, Ron, Rosie, George, Louis, Orville, the baby box turtles, gators 1-4, Dante, Webbie and of course Inky!). I love those guys and the jobs I was given the privilege to do. I will miss this job! :(

-Shantell

Maisa's final blog

I try so hard not to think about this every time this topic comes up but I guess I'm going to have to face the inevitable. There is about one week until this internship program is over and it just breaks my heart. This is most likely one of the best jobs I'll ever have - if not THE best job! I feel that I have learned so much about the different animals, habitats and regions in South Carolina that I probably wouldn't have known. I know that I have gained so much knowledge and insight. I have also become more outgoing and helpful to the public that I now consider myself a "Fred" :)

My advice for students who would like to do this internship in the future is to be yourself. If you truly love working/being around people and animals then this is the job for you. I love it so much and I know you will for SURE!

I will miss all the animals here at the Aquarium (especially Dante - THE CUTEST OWL ON EARTH!), all the wonderful interns (I love you guys!) and of course, Ms. Kathy and Ms. Kate. Thank you for choosing me as one of your high school interns. Hopefully, I'll come back and volunteer!

-Maisa

Helena's final blog

I am sooooooooo sad the internship is over. I had way too much fun with the other interns and Kathy and Kate. I'm going to miss working at the Aquarium. Of course, I'm coming back to visit and volunteer. From this internship I have learned many lessons. How you act can either make or break someone's day. Smiling never hurts anyone. Being friendly makes other people friendly. Always be yourself. And of course have fun! This job has sure made me very happy and has helped me to gain new friends and experiences. I'm keeping this blog short and sweet. Plus it's kind of hard to concentrate with the music coming from Kate's computer making me want to dance. I absolutely love working here! I'm going to miss everything. Don't worry...I shall be back. :)

-Helena