Exiting the Harbor by Eileen Dalessandro

Nearly a year after the start of my internship, I am ready to cast off from Save the Harbor / Save the Bay! I am prepared to breach the surface water and haul out to Incheon, South Korea. I feel a sense of accomplishment as I look out the window to the harbor. I see numerous crab traps, and imagine the seals that visit in February, or the changing waters of the fall. The Fish Pier is a wonderful place, but not because of its' glorious smell, but because of the remarkable staff that work for Save the Harbor.

When I interviewed with Bruce Berman in September he asked me, "Do you want to be a part of the team?", accentuating the word "team." I would soon learn why Bruce emphasized the word "team." To be a part of Save the Harbor is to be a member of the team. Whether I'm working on a continuous project, or aiding in outreach, there is always a project to attend to. Similar to an interconnected system, the staff works in unison to complete a common goal. Fundraisers or beach events, the importance of being a team member is stressed to make the impossible, possible. From interns to the president, every member pitches in to make each event a real homerun. I am humbled to be a part of such an honorable group that serves its purpose: to restore and protect Boston Harbor, while enriching the lives of deserving youth. 

I am thankful for the opportunity I received last September. When I started interning at Save the Harbor I was unsure of what I wanted. Similar to a year old seabird, I knew what I wanted was buried beneath the sand. I learned how to dig to find my prize and cracked the surface to reap the reward. I had to molt my yearling plumage to reveal my true feathers. Now, like an albatross, I'll dive into uncharted waters to discover what they hold.