Here in this photo is one of the students presenting to the group their artwork. During this past summer, I had been running a lesson on the different kinds of animals that live in the ocean. The activity that I planned to go along with this lesson was for the kids to get a chance to use their imagination and create their own type of creature. At the end, I let them get a chance to show everyone what they’ve created. This allowed the students to be able to practice presenting in front of a group.
This summer was my second year working as an instructor for the Harbor Explorer Program. Throughout the two years of working as a Harbor Explorer instructor, my experience had been nothing but good. Within the Harbor Explorer Program, I became very close with many of the other instructors, as well as many of the returning and new students that attended the program. The environment overall was very welcoming and friendly to all. I also believe I’ve grown as a person since of last year.
As an instructor, the values I try to teach the students are responsibility and compromise. I always have them make sure they clean up after themselves and keep track of their belongings throughout the day. Sometimes conflict will occur between students, and I try to teach them that they have to hear the other one out and find an in-between, even if it means they don’t get everything they wanted. I also try to teach them that sometimes you have to get along with people even if they don’t.
The positive impact I see in the students is that the majority of them come to the program very nervous and shy. As the week goes on, I see those who weren’t as out going as some of the others become more comfortable and start to socialize with the other students. Another positive impact I see is many of the students trying new things that they haven’t tried before and overcoming their fears. This past year, I’ve seen multiple students overcome their fear of going on a kayak and/or sailboat, and end up enjoying it a lot.
Some of my favorite parts of this program are when the students are listening to a lesson given by Save the Harbor / Save the Bay. As I’m watching, all of them are so eager to learn about whatever topic is being taught. They’re like sponges soaking up all the information. It also allows some of the students to shine and show off their knowledge.
My goal with work is to be able to keep working with kids in the future. With school, I want to finish high school and go to college. What I want to do after college is undecided.
-Lily Skomro
