Stepping into a new field can feel like navigating uncharted waters. For me, this past summer was all about diving headfirst into the world of environmental education and truly learning the ropes. As the Great Lakes Waterways Education Intern at Inland Seas Education Association (ISEA), I embarked on a journey that exceeded all expectations, fostering a profound appreciation for the organization and igniting a passion for sharing the wonders of the Great Lakes. The dedicated ISEA office staff, volunteers, and crew were instrumental in making this experience exceptional, creating an environment where learning felt both energizing and deeply rewarding. Their collective enthusiasm inspired me to embrace every challenge and extend my newfound knowledge to aspiring stewards of the Great Lakes. Looking ahead, I aspire to emulate the empathy and vibrant energy they demonstrated as I found my footing in this inspiring field.
My initial wet run vividly illustrates the exhilarating, albeit slightly overwhelming, start to this adventure. Despite numb hands from the cold water, a wide grin stretched across my face. I was undeniably in a new environment, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, and fully aware that I was there to learn and contribute. Embracing this reality, I chose to dive in with enthusiasm.
Over the subsequent weeks, my role involved engaging with children, often in hands-on activities like collecting sediment samples. This daily interaction, coupled with the dynamic nature of day sails, quickly became a source of comfort and growth. Each day brought a new group of students, each with unique learning styles and personalities, demanding adaptability in my approach. Weather conditions were also unpredictable, adding another layer of complexity. I relished the challenge, drawing upon successful teaching moments and refining my techniques to effectively connect with and educate the students. Building rapport by learning their names and engaging in meaningful conversations became a particularly rewarding aspect, highlighting the power of brief but impactful connections.
A central component of my internship was designing an educational station for an August sail to Detroit. This project involved a significant amount of planning and brainstorming. I am grateful for Jillian’s patience as I navigated through numerous ideas, transforming abstract concepts into a tangible, educational experience. The final station was inspired by a powerful moment during Schoolship programs: the two minutes of silence observed after raising the sails. Drawing inspiration from the Anishinaabe people, the original stewards of this land and water, and incorporating principles of holistic education, the station evolved into a soundscape mapping activity. This exercise encouraged students to visually represent the sounds they perceived, fostering a deeper connection to their surroundings. I also incorporated Anishinaabemowin maps of the Great Lakes and original Anishinaabemowin words for the waterways, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and respecting the Anishinaabe’s enduring stewardship of these vital resources.
While my initial internship plan focused on public sails and the Detroit project, my experience took an unexpected and incredibly enriching turn. I had the invaluable opportunity to spend nearly a month living aboard schooners. This included the final leg of Schooner Alliance’s journey home and an overnight program to Detroit on Schooner Inland Seas.
ISEA’s welcoming and adaptable environment allowed me to embrace these unforeseen opportunities. Boarding Alliance with no prior crew experience, I disembarked with a wealth of new skills, a profound sense of camaraderie with the crew, and a newfound reverence for the waters we traversed. Captain Ben’s safety briefing, emphasizing the rapid shift from being at the top to the bottom of the food chain offshore, resonated deeply. The subtle vulnerability experienced offshore was both invigorating and humbling, instilling a sense of vitality and joy, rekindling the same exhilaration I felt during my initial wet run.
Subsequently, I took on the role of Assistant Educator for the overnight program to Detroit. We were fortunate to work with a remarkably mature and engaged group from Detroit’s Green Door Initiative. This experience presented a unique challenge as I was simultaneously learning and leading. Tying up at Harbor Beach on a gusty night, my first attempt at throwing a dock line was a baptism by fire. My usually methodical approach was thrown into disarray, but despite the initial chaos, the boat was secure, and I had successfully learned a crucial new skill. Again, I am deeply indebted to the crew for their unwavering patience and support during my numerous learning moments. These moments, though sometimes challenging, were integral to the learning process, and the crew’s grace and kindness were invaluable.
This perspective of embracing learning curves and meeting individuals where they are became central to my final two weeks teaching in Detroit. Adjusting my expectations of “success” and appreciating the dynamic of shared learning spaces with people from diverse backgrounds and generations enriched the experience immeasurably. As I conclude this chapter, I depart with a deep, familial affection for the individuals who define this organization and immense gratitude for the wisdom they have imparted. While this internship concludes, my involvement with ISEA is far from over; my volunteer application is already in.
