Michelle Wagner
Biology Research Intern
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

“My time with the NOAA was incredible, and I was able to take a lot away from a learning standpoint. But the thing I'm happiest about is that it helped me to clarify or determine where I should be going.”

When Michelle Wagner began her internship with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), she believed it would be an ideal opportunity. This proved to be true, though not necessarily in the way she expected.

For Michelle, a biology student, the NOAA's work studying the conditions of the oceans and the atmosphere should have been a perfect fit. Michelle attests that the internship itself was terrific. The people with whom she worked were knowledgeable and entrusted her with unique research opportunities. But Michelle realized that she needed to work outdoors, not in an office all day.

Her experience demonstrates the usefulness of internships goes beyond providing a foothold in a student's dream field. It can also be valuable experience to inform someone of what the right path could be.

he admits that she had few expectations before beginning her internship, but she was thrilled that she came away with an indication of what she wants to do and where she'd like to be. She says her interest in biology has not wavered.

At her internship, Michelle was entrusted to do real research. She authored a white paper for the National Marine Fisheries Offices, compiling guidelines for new marine construction projects and negotiated the interests of commercial fisheries and environmentalist groups. Her research addressed the impact of dredging on endangered populations along the Northeast Atlantic coastline from Virginia to Maine, including the Atlantic salmon, shortnose sturgeon, and four species of turtles. This work was difficult, and she was amazed to realize that to overcome the challenges, she had to use techniques and theories she learned in the classroom, many of which had seemed impractical at the time.

For example, the sound waves she'd learned about in physics class became relevant when she had to understand how sound affects the health of fish.

Michelle values the relationships she developed and is looking forward to exploring new research opportunities at NOAA. She remains confident that the work done at the NOAA is of the utmost importance, and she is excited to have had the opportunity to work alongside knowledgeable and dedicated researchers.

 

Victoria Robinson
Volunteer with Zelma Lacey House
Student Mentor for ‘Math - Fear = Success’

“My work was inconsistent and I was disorganized when I arrived, but with hard work I was able to become successful. I hope my own experience can be a lesson for other students.”

For Victoria Robinson, working as a mentor at Bunker Hill Community College brings her back to when she first began school here. Robinson, a criminal justice student, was overwhelmed when she arrived and it was the help she received from her professors and peers that provided her with the confidence she needed to succeed.

This fall, Robinson became a student mentor for Professor Seabury and Hernandez-Folch's ‘Math - Fear = Success’ Learning Community. Learning Communities are courses planned together around common themes for new students. In the classroom, Victoria offers encouragement and advice to the students and helps assist the professors with activities.

Victoria participated in ‘Math - Fear = Success’ as a student the previous spring semester. It was in that community where she received the support necessary to become a successful student and the opportunity to appreciate the importance of service.

This was emphasized when she and her peers volunteered at Charlestown’s Zelma Lacey House, an assisted living community. The students visited a number of times throughout the semester. During their visits students conversed with the residents, talking about a range of topics from their personal lives to politics.

Before her service, Victoria, like many of her peers, thought she would have a difficult time connecting with the living community’s residents. She quickly realized this was an unfounded fear.

Overcoming this fear helped Victoria realize that her fear in math was also unfounded. But it also made her realize how service can be mutually beneficial between both parties.

During her mentorship she has found that the students in the Learning Community remind her of herself. She understands the difficulty and complexity of transitioning into college. But she is unrepentant in her belief that by encouraging and instilling confidence, every student has the ability to succeed.

Victoria sees her service as just the beginning. While she does not intend to pursue education or teaching as a career, she does plan on continuing to do service work wherever she feels needed. For now, Victoria would like to continue mentoring in Learning Communities for the remainder of her tenure at Bunker Hill.

The purpose of service is evident in Victoria's life: it is an opportunity to give back and to help others like her. It has also helped her to achieve her own goals.

Victoria is aware of the load of service; her life, similar to many community college students lives, is very busy. But she believes that it is nonetheless necessary that for her to succeed, she must help others do so as well.

 

Office of Internship Programs
Sharon Schaff, Coordinator