I finally got a hold of the superintendent of the National Park of American Samoa two days ago, and it went better than I could have imagined. I related to the superintendent, Mike, that I wanted to do my independent project for my Masters in conjunction with the park. When he asked what area of biology I wanted to specify my work in, I explained that since I have my undergrad degree in elementary education, and plan on being a teacher, that I would love to work with any education or interpretive programs they might have.
Mike responded by telling me a little more information about the park and it's development of their education and interpretive programs, mentioning that they would be receiving their first funding to hire interpretive staff. He continued, talking about how they currently do a significant amount of work with the schools, but it was rather unorganized, and they were looking to work to integrate what the park has to offer with the curriculum of the local schools. He asked if I might be interested on working in this area.
Are you kidding me?!?
I was almost speechless. If someone had asked me my dream project, I would have said creating a program that provided lesson plans which connected available resources and programs at the park into the school curricula, for each grade level. Lo and behold, that seems to be exactly what the park and the schools want to work on developing.
Needless to say I am ridiculously excited, and although I really do not know any of the details yet, I cannot wait to find out more how I can help this development. I'm sending my resume per Mike's request, and cannot wait to start discussing how I can volunteer my time.
Life is phenomenal!
Woohoo! That's awesome.
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