Diving Into the Ocean Through Hands-On Volunteer Work by Neeka

Diving Into the Ocean Through Hands-On Volunteer Work by Neeka - September 2024 Scholarship Essay

One of my favorite non-traditional ways to learn is through hands-on volunteering. Rather than learning something through videos or books, experiencing the topic first hand allows me to retain the information more while also thoroughly enjoying the process. This way, I’m able to get real-world experience and become immersed into my surroundings. Additionally, it causes me to positively contribute to a cause that has been a big part of my life for years.

I’m currently volunteering at my local aquarium that I’ve gone to my whole life. Ever since I was a young child, I’ve always wanted the opportunity to volunteer at this aquarium. Anytime that I would go, the volunteers would intrigue me with their knowledge on the variety of species that were housed inside the aquarium. I was also provided with real time activities and examples of natural events happening in forests and oceans. I looked up to them immensely and became hooked onto the wonders of the ocean. This has caused me to see how impactful their teaching methods have been over the past few years. As soon as I was old enough I decided to become a volunteer at this same aquarium, in hopes to inspire young children willing to learn. Without having the hands-on experience given to me by volunteers at a young age, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

At my local aquarium, I’m currently granted the opportunity to work closely with various sea creatures that live in our general area such as loggerhead sea turtles, pencil urchins, Atlantic white shrimp, and more. By constantly being around these native species, I know what to look out for when I’m on the beach and different ways on how to keep them safe. I also have been able to learn the characteristics of these creatures, such as the way that their personalities vary just from examining their movements and body language inside the tanks that I work with. Additionally, it’s very clear to see the diets and habitats of these creatures as I'm able to help feed the creatures and maintain their habitats. Overall, I have realized the growth of my knowledge not just from these creatures, but in general due to the exposure from these various experiences.

In addition to examining the animals, I’m surrounded by fellow volunteers and employees who have professions in the marine biology field. I’m able to ask them any questions about their careers, studies, and how to get involved within them. I’ve noticed an enhancement within my public speaking skills and have become more aware of the current environmental issues. After seeing how much they enjoy their jobs and how open they are to answering my questions, it has led me to becoming interested in their field of work.

Rather than just absorbing information, I’m actively engaged within what’s going on in front of me by speaking to my peers, educating visitors, and inspecting the creatures. Volunteering has allowed me to form a deeper connection and understanding to marine ecosystems. Since I’m put in front of such a wide range of topics and not limited to learning specific things, I feel less pressured and learn about subjects that I’m personally interested in. It has made learning so much more enjoyable and I often find myself looking forward to it.
In conclusion, hands-on volunteer work is my favorite non-traditional way to learn due to the unique and enjoyable way that it causes me to retain information. I’m able to witness certain experiences in real-time and problem solve along the way. By seeing different things in front of me rather than viewing them from a book, I’m able to remember topics more vividly. I’ve gained valuable insights into the field of marine biology and have developed numerous skills that I wouldn’t have learned in a normal classroom. I have not only become interested in this specific career, but have learned a lot about marine life and their ecosystems. Furthermore, I’ve grown a passion for conservation. Overall, I’ve learned a lot from my volunteering experiences and I am ecstatic to see what else it can bring me.