The WAVE Foundation’s Summer Naturalist Program at the Newport Aquarium consists of area teens who dedicate a minimum of 100 volunteer hours throughout the summer educating visitors on the exhibits at the Newport Aquarium.
Kayla, a 15-year-old student at Buckhannon Upshur High School in West Virginia, is one of nearly 50 high school students exploring the professional side of the Newport Aquarium as a Summer Naturalist this year. Kayla was excited to share her experiences: |
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“This is my first real job experience. I want to be a Marine Animal Behaviorist, so I travel all the way from West Virginia to participate in the Summer Naturalist program here at the Newport Aquarium.”
“This is a great opportunity for me to interact with the animals and guests. Since volunteering here, I am a better public speaker and have more self confidence. I enjoy learning about the exhibits and sharing that information with the visitors. So far, the Tide Pool is my favorite exhibit to work because I get to play games with the kids and teach them how to handle the animals. If I can teach a child something new every day I volunteer, then I know I will be happy!
“I know when I look back on this experience I will say, WOW that was so much fun! I have made some great friends here and memories that will last forever. I definitely want to come back next summer!”
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