On Tuesday, July 3rd, we
Teen LEADERS embarked on a trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. We took the trek
to learn about their Teen Conservation Leaders program (very similar to our
Teen LEADERS) and to explore the aquatic world of course. We gladly welcomed
the cool coastal weather, as it was quite a transition from Fresno’s heat.
Upon arrival, we met our guides and
were given an exclusive look at the Open Sea Exhibit. After watching the Open
Sea feeding, we were led to the beautiful plastic arts exhibit where artists
displayed their art made out of 100% single-use plastic items, such as spoons,
water bottles, and grocery bags. It really made an impact moved me and the
other teens on just how much single-use plastic is weaved into our daily lives
and how little thought we put into its use.
Later on, we got a chance to interact with
some interesting sea critters. We were able to feed kelp to abalone and touch
bamboo sharks, sea stars, and sea cucumbers. “I loved holding the baby brittle star
as it crawled around my hand” said Teen LEADER Christina. Then we made our way
to the shore and had a nice lunch break on the beach where we enjoyed the
peaceful ocean atmosphere and played games on the sand like hand jousting and
link tag.
After our lunch break, we watched a
presentation about how a few older Teen Conservation Leaders applied the skills
they learned at the aquarium to their daily and professional lives. It was
inspiring to see how young people like us left the program with the skills and
motivation to make a change in this world. It helped us realize how we too as
young people can make a difference. Then we were taken on a tour of the many
exhibits of the Aquarium and were fascinated by marine creatures such as hermit
crabs, puffins, tuna, and sharks. Some of us were even able to visit the fun
& flashy jellyfish exhibit. Ultimately, our adventure at the bay was full
of aquatic wonder and inspiration that we will never forget!
Alondra Lopez
Christina Olague
Teen LEADERS
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