The other day when I was on my lunch break at Saguaro, an africanized killer bee politely perched on my head for a good five minutes or so: lingering...crawling. And I, about one thousand times its size, could not do a single thing: helpless at the hands of nature. I couldn't swat it- it would sting me. I couldn't move- it would freak out..and sting me. And I don't think I have ever been so terrified.......
My internship has actually been going relatively smoothly. It has its perks and it has its downfalls, as to be expected.
Downfall number 1, a superfluous story: My very first day at the park, I worked with a crusty old curmudgeon who has volunteered for the park for a good eighteen years- his name is Jerry Potter (I consistently had to stifle a snicker everytime I heard it...). His social skills are far from apt, and his senior citizen status apparently makes it okay for him to call everyone "kid." But I absolutely adored him; I always got a good laugh with(at?) him, and he really was a genuinely nice guy. Wednesday was his last day for this season, though, so I bid him farewell for the rest of my internship.
That aside, this past week has actually been a ton of fun. I did several more education outreach programs, and I even got to go on a field trip! Interestingly enough, one of my education programs was with a group of about thirteen autistic kids, and it was an absolutely amazing experience! On wednesday, we went on a field trip to WACC (Western Archaelogical Conservation Center, I believe), which was an excrutiating three hours, chalk-full of apathy and fatigue. After hearing the woman blab for an hour as she pointed out various pottery chards and rocks, I was done.... unfortunately, she wasn't. My eyes soon after glazed over, and my mind wandered, so I couldn't even begin to tell you what she said that day..
Other than that, it has been fantastic!
Next week I'm supposed to start doing some tortoise tracking, and I've actually been elected to lead a group of 4th graders on a four-hour tortoise tracking adventure!
Digging in the dirt, for a not so early bird, it's the only way for her to get the worm =]
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7 comments:
I can not believe you quoted that song. Every time I hear it, I just think, "What were they thinking when they wrote that?" Glad to hear your internship is going well! I like the saguaro park!
Just don't bring any critters home with you!!!
Mom
Four hours outside with fourth graders? That sounds dangerous...and I'm not referring to the snakes! Hope you have some other adults there to keep the kids from wandering.
Have you started work on an article? I'm curious to see what you've come up with!
What is your day-to-day responsibility at the park? Besides the excursions, do they have you at an information desk, or are you given time to do your own research? I'm jealous...You definitely know much more about this desert we're living in than I do!
It sounds like you are very busy. It is getting quite toasty out there this week, they say that the snakes will be out in force...be careful!
Mm yeah, I've started on several articles... now I just need to tune them up a bit.
In terms of day-to-day responsibilities, I have primarily been working at an information desk, or doing roving..so I've been kept pretty busy!
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