Why My Summer Internship Ruined My Life In The Best Way Possible
Start writing a post
Student Life

Why My Summer Internship Ruined My Life In The Best Way Possible

How one thing will lead to another.

41
Why My Summer Internship Ruined My Life In The Best Way Possible
Tess Sailor-Tynes

My story starts out as that of a typical college student trying to get her life together for the summer. Last November, I was in my first semester of my junior year in college. Having a mom who works at a university, I knew I needed to find an internship in something that would contribute to a future career. Thus said, I started the search. It felt like it took a lifetime, with countless phone calls, emails and trips, until I finally found something that felt right.

Throughout my search, everyone would remind me that I've always wanted to work with the ocean. When the Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet, Florida called me, I had to accept the opportunity of a lifetime. I started working with artificial reef research and data collection off the coast of Ponce Inlet. While I worked with graphs, charts and formulas, I also helped with the surveys taken off the jetty in Ponce Inlet.

The surveys consisted of bringing snorkel gear and data collection instruments to the jetty then swimming in the water from 20 minutes to an hour, identifying and counting fish and invertebrates. Working hard felt like I was hardly working. I've been living in my bikini all summer and it's everything I've ever wanted and more. I've seen beautiful endemic species, and I've also been the first person to discover certain species that have never been seen in the area. When I wasn't in the water, I was working on my computer in the turtle lab, where turtles were taken in for rescue and rehabilitation.

While my friends near and far were sending texts and Snapchats from their cubicles and offices in which they remained throughout the day, I couldn't help but to fall more in love with what I was doing (not to discount my friends' passions).

But the internship had a catch. Any day I was at home, I missed work and being in the water. My job changed me in a way I could never imagine. When my mind wanders, I can't help but find myself by the ocean. Who knew that distraction could be so beautiful?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

49518
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

31530
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

955154
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180377
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments