Sea, Sand and Sky

Hey what’s up? This is Leon and I’m an intern for Save the Harbor/ Save the Bay. Let’s take a flash back. The year is 2011 and at the time I was a junior at Fenway high school. At 17 years of age, I have never been employed and as life started to pitch its many curveballs; that was something that had to change. I mean, growing up is much more satisfying when you make your own money right? All I could think about was finding a job to make money, which in turn would make things easier. This being my theory, I did not know what to expect and I did not expect for anyone to hire me. I was presented with an opportunity to interview for Save the Harbor/ Save the Bay and with my mind focused solely on the money I could not turn it down. Aimlessly wondering into an interview for an organization that I've never knew existed and I didn't know anything about it. I couldn't even begin to tell you about the Boston Harbor besides that’s where the Boston tea party took place. That being said, I was still hired for the position of a junior marine educator. As a JME it was my job to work with a senior marine educator at several sites around the city. Some of these sites include Piers Park in East Boston, The McDonough sailing center in South Boston and the courageous sailing center in Charlestown. At the sites we try our best to connect children and families to the Boston Harbor while having fun doing so. We host and sponsor many free events on our beaches so everyone can have a chance to enjoy the Harbor. We fish, set up crab and lobster traps and we give the children a chance to do the same. If I can see a person go from disgusted by a spider crab to fascinated, then I’m doing a good job! We even have a program called All Access Boston Harbor, led by David Coffin, we take different groups of children from many camps and programs to either Spectacle or Georges Island for a day full of fun filled activities! The average day working on Spectacle includes flying kites up the Drummond or searching for sea glass down on the beach. Make sure to pack swimming trunks because David Coffin could care less, trust me!! Having the opportunity to work for such an organization is an honor and take my word when I say, thinking it’s just for the money is temporary. The minute you make a child or their counciler smile, you will realize. Do your best to represent SHSB in the most positive manner. You’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors, it will be hot but dress appropriately (no Yankee gear unless you can and are willing to defend it). Remember, it is your job to make someone’s day so a positive attitude is always required. Smile even if it hurts, some of the children may look up to you. Be on time and ready for work, punctuality is key. Communication is of upmost importance. Even though it may be uncomfortable, the people around you are here to help. Most of all enjoy the summer and brace yourselves for the bombardment of smiles you will be receiving.