Lead Harbor Explorer Ellen Reporting for Duty!

Hi everyone! My name is Ellen Mazzone, and I am a rising senior at Eckerd College way down in St. Petersburg, Florida. Eckerd's motto is "Think Outside", which is very fitting with the widespread dedication amongst its students to promote and maintain sustainable living and environmentalism. In the spring I will be graduating with a bachelor of science in Human Development and Leadership Studies. After this I hope to pursue a PhD in Psychology. Currently, I see myself conducting research in the psychology field, teaching at the undergraduate level, providing therapy services, and/or working with a non-profit organization that focuses on educating and providing services that benefit community mental health.

Essentially, I am interested in providing services and educational opportunities for the public. For the last three summers I have been working in corporate America doing work in human resources, but this summer I wanted a hands-on experience that was closer to the type of work I hope to do in the future. Enter - Save the Harbor/Save the Bay!

This summer I will be a Lead Harbor Explorer! While I go to a school full of environmentalists majoring in Marine Biology or Environmental Studies, most of my classes focus on social systems, the human existence, and nature vs nurture discussions. In middle school and early high school, I went to summer camps that focused on coral restoration. It was at these camps where I discovered a love for scuba diving and the great immensity and beauty of the ocean -- when properly cared for; however, I stopped going to these camps halfway through high school and stepped into the corporate world. I am excited to exchange my suits and heels for Chacos and sunscreen. So while I may not be the most knowledgeable about the environment, I look forward to learning more about it and using what I do know to connect with the thousands of kids that will join our programs this summer. 

Little Ellen, Giant Stingray