While interning at the Marine Mammal Center, Wendy prepared food for the animals, cleaned pens, and monitored the habits of the Center’s patients. On her education crew days, Wendy acted as a docent, opening and closing the Center, greeting the public, co-leading tours, and sharing information with the general public about the marine mammals, and the Center’s mission. Wendy also worked as a docent at San Francisco’s Pier 39, answering questions from hundreds of visitors a day!
Wendy Mo
“(This internship) really sparked my curiosity, and now I'm really passionate in learning more about it. Because of this internship, I have decided to not only major in Marine Biology, I am also considering Psychology so that I could study Animal Behavior, especially Sea Lions that have DA (domoic acid toxicity), because we know so little about it. I was also able to work on a lot of my skills, such as public speaking. Coming out of this internship, I have definitely learned a lot and feel almost like a whole new person...I can definitely say that without LINC or this Advanced Internship, I wouldn't have discovered so many things about myself and I wouldn't be as motivated as I am now.“
Marine Mammal Center Mentor: Jacquie Hilterman, Marine Mammal Center
In her internship at Alcatraz, Melody learned public speaking, formal interpretation, and how to communicate comfortably with visitors and those from out of country. Melody was responsible for dock announcements, where she greeted and oriented large groups of visitors. She also roved the island to make herself available for questions about Alcatraz, gave private tours of certain closed off areas, and researched the history of Alcatraz to become as knowledgeable as possible and to help visitors understand the significance of the island’s history. By the end of her internship, Melody designed her own 15-minute program about Robert Stroud (the Birdman), which she performed on her last night of work. “LINC gave me a direction in life.... the kind of work experience that I have gained through these internships is invaluable, and I am lucky, because at 17, I feel that I have been able to explore potential careers and interests. It has helped me with college, because I feel that I know what I want to do, or at least what I want to be involved in.”
Melody Robinson
Alcatraz Mentor: Eric Knackmuhs, Parks Conservancy