Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Teen LEADERS



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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