Today was nothing like I expected. It was incredibly exciting and slightly disappointing all in one day. But what mattered, what REALLY mattered, was how blessed I felt being able to participate in this program and have the chance to see what direction my life might take after college.
Today was our last day of the internship. We were nervous, excited, and a little sad, because we might not see everyone again. I was mostly nervous, because I knew that I would have to speak for our project, in front of a crowd, which I am never too partial to. But after a few practice rounds with the whole group, I was feeling much better. But then, we had to do our news bit...
We had been told that the news was supposed to come and interview us since they were interested in the program we were doing. It was supposed to be just a few channels, but mostly they were expecting the Spanish channel. So all of us were surprised when three different cameras came in, all from local news stations to interview us. And even though there was a designated interview intern, I was excited that I got the chance to be interviewed because I really loved talking about what we were talking about.
It turns out they weren't so much interested in the project we were doing, but the fact that bats are such great controllers of mosquito populations. Apparently this was news to them and they thought it was cool enough to interview people. So there was channel 2, channel 39, npr, and the Houston Chronicle, along with the Zoo photographer of course.
I was set up at a conservation station, which is basically a bunch of bio facts, so some skulls and furs from deceased animals to help grab the public's attention to come over and learn about what we were talking about. There was another conservation station, and a group building the bat house. But ours was on misconceptions about urban wildlife, so promoting coexisting with them instead of being aggravated by them, cause they belong here just as much as we do. So when the news guy came over to ask me what I was doing I told him, and he got really excited because it was the reason behind the bat house, so he was like "I'll interview you!" and I was pumped! I really wanted the chance to interview, just cause I honestly do like to talk to people, especially when it's stuff I know, and I remembered a lot about bats from our supervisor's presentation.
So he came back and interviewed me and the girl who was at the station with me. I was really excited because I thought I did really well answering questions, and I thought I'd be on the news! Well I was! But only in the background....Haha. Just goes to show that they don't really want substance, all they want is fluff, because I gave them hard facts, and they didn't use anything I said. But, oh well! It is what it is. And I got quoted (although my wording wasn't perfect) in their online article, so I was satisfied, haha.
But that wasn't even the end of it! We had a presentation to present to the one ExxonMobil rep who was there, and most of our families. It was actually really nice that the audience was small because I don't know if I could have handled it if it was any larger. So we each did our piece in the project, and the crowd loved it! Our families were super supportive, which was wonderful, and the ExxonMobil lady seemed to really be enthusiastic about it. Who knows, our product could be put in the Zoo someday!
And my absolute favorite part of the day was my evaluation. Mostly because I got some one on one time with my awesome supervisors, who I absolutely adore and look up to. They were really kind to me and had a lot of great advice for future jobs and whatever I'm doing in my future. My favorite advice from them was when they told me to make my own job, to reach for my dreams and never give up. Although it sounds cheesy, and really lame, they were absolutely sincere, and they really believed, not only in me, but in conservation and success in that field.
I am so blessed to have had this opportunity this summer, and while it wasn't all perfect, and there were plenty of stressful days and frustrating situations, I loved every minute of it. Just because I was getting a glimpse of what my future could be like in conservation, and it looked bright and beautiful. Here are a few things I learned from this experience:
Attitude is everything.
Prayer is wonderful.
When life changes direction, never fight it, wherever it's taking you, wherever He's taking you, is so very worth it.
Trust in the Lord your God and He will provide.
Believe in yourself; believe in others.
Don't ever let stuff get to you because you are incredibly blessed.
Be thankful.
Remember that you are loved.
Rejoice because life is beautiful.
Amen.
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