My time as an STRP intern has made me realize that there is so much to be done regarding conservation. I knew I wanted to be involved in this field before coming here, but being in the midst of such an influential organization made me realize that this is really the kind of work I want to be doing with my life. STRP made me realize that every person can make a difference.
The event that that spoke to me the most during my time here was the Chevron Annual Shareholders Meeting. This event attracted people from all over the world, and it made me more aware of how a lot of issues really are universal problems that need to be addressed. At this event, I participated with other volunteers to protect endangered flatback sea turtles by protesting the proposed oil drilling off the Kimberly, the Western coast of Austrailia.
Another event that I was very interested in was the World Ocean’s Day event held in San Francisco. In this event, I tabled with another intern to provide information about STRP, and help get signatures for our petitions.
I was very proud when and two other interns and I were able to build a small scale replica of a shrimp trawl net with a turtle excluder device for Cal Academy Nightlife. The Event was for World Sea Turtle Day, and it meant a lot to know that something I helped to make would be used to educate the public.
I am extremely grateful towards my supervisor and the other people in the STRP office for making me feel welcomed and mentoring me in my first interning position.
Overall, interning with STRP has been an experience I won’t soon forget. This experience has definitely solidified my passion for helping all marine creatures!