What inspired or interested you about your field of study?

I knew I ultimately wanted to work with youth and I wanted something similar to youth development. So I chose to study human development and family sciences as I thought would be flexible for varying career paths.

What did you work on during your internship?

I was a volunteer management intern. I did anything from morning check-ins to teen evaluations and even PA announcements about animal encounters. One large project I worked on was updating volunteer handbooks to make them up-to-date and accessible.

What do you see as the greatest value of your internship?

I've learned so much about volunteer management. I've learned how to handle our volunteer system, log hours, assign shifts, etc. I've worked on public speaking skills with presentations for volunteers and using the PA system. I've learned about working in an office environment and what it's like to work 8 a.m.-5p.m., five days a week. Everything has been so valuable.

What are your post-college dreams?

I want to do some missionary work first, but eventually, I plan to work in a zoo or aquarium in volunteer management. I love working at these locations and I grew up volunteering at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. I love working with people who are passionate about what they do and this is the perfect opportunity for me.