Farewell to an Amazing Summer

I cannot believe school starts next Wednesday – where did the summer go?!  Oh wait, my summer flew by because of the incredible experience I had working for Save the Harbor/Save the Bay.  As a teacher, many friends questioned why I wanted to work all summer when I was on “vacation.”  They explained that this was the time to explore new places, meet new people, and relax.  What they didn’t know, is that was exactly what I was doing this summer.  I learned more about Boston Harbor than I ever thought possible.  I went on trips to George’s and Spectacle Islands, rode Codzilla, pulled up lobster traps, toured the local fisheries, helped coordinate a beach bash for over 700 children and adults and is just to name a few.

One of the best parts of being the Summer Youth Program’s Lead Teacher was getting to know each SME and JPA that worked for us.  Many of the JPA’s attend Boston Public High Schools and I cannot wait to watch Myriam play volleyball, Hung score goals on the soccer field and Monique hit home runs.   Some of the JPA’s are heading off to start a new chapter of their life at college and I couldn't be happier for them!  Luckily for us, they are all staying within the Greater Boston area – Northeastern, Salem State, UMass Dartmouth, and I am particularly excited to watch Ahmed play basketball at Stonehill College!

School ended late due to ridiculous amounts of snow that pummeled Boston this past winter and delayed my start at Save the Harbor/Save the Bay.  I didn't get to participate in the Senior Staff Orientation nor meet any of the Senior Marine Educators until day numero uno of our "All Staff Orientation."  I was nervous to meet the Senior Marine Educators (SME) but quickly learned that not only were we a diversely, talented group but fun and enthusiastic as well.  This is more than I could have asked for in a summer staff!  Constant communication, laughing, and hard work made this year's summer staff all worth while.

While everyone has their favorite parts of working at Save the Harbor, I would have to say that this summer I really enjoyed…..

1.  The Red Sox Clinic sponsored by Coca-Cola with Save the Harbor staff and some of the O’Bryant Softball team!

2.     Clam Seeding on Thompson Island.

3.     Pulling up the lobster trap at McDonough.

and 4. Visiting Spectacle and George's Island on the All Access Boston Harbor trips.

I cannot wait to see what next summer has in store for Save the Harbor/Save the Bay!

Now back to those 8th graders......

-Bridget