05 Jul Emily Tuohy, Tybee Island Marine Science Center, Week 1

I have just completed my first week on Tybee Island, working at the Marine Science Center. My mentor, Alli, and her team have been incredibly welcoming. My first day of work was Monday, June 29th. I have been primarily working with Sea Camp, a week-long educational summer camp for young kids to learn about coastal Georgia marine life. This week of camp was for 6-8-year-olds, who were remarkably well-behaved and interested in learning. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday were structured similarly: we would take the kids to the beach, show them informational slideshows on the topic of the day, and guide them through activities that reinforced what they were learning. It’s an interesting experience because I don’t have the same level of knowledge on the topics that the educators have, so really, I’m learning alongside the campers while helping out where I can. Thursday was Dolphin Day, so we took the campers on a dolphin cruise in the morning. I’ve seen dolphins before, of course, but it’s astonishing to see so many in one place. The next day, we took the campers to Fort Pulaski to show them the wildlife in the marshes. This day was full of complaining children; the heat was maddening, there was little to no shade, and there was lots of walking. I, however, was grateful for the chance to explore more of the history and landscape of my temporary home.

Aside from work at the science center, I’ve been exploring what this small island has to offer. On Monday, I went to trivia with my host family and got to see what the resident community was like. I’ve been frequenting the local YMCA, making rounds on my beach cruiser through the shade-covered residential streets, sunbathing on the beach, and eating at the local restaurants. On Saturday, the Fourth of July, I went to a cookout and watched the fireworks from the beach.

I’ve already learned so much about the marine life here on Tybee, and I’m thrilled to spend the next three weeks getting to know even more.