Over the past few weeks, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in a virtual internship with Duke and Stanford student athletes. Together, we embarked on an exciting civic service project aimed at marine conservation. This unique experience not only expanded my knowledge of Thailand and its rich marine ecosystem, but it also exposed me to a variety of masterclass workshops that deepened my understanding of marine conservation. I am amazed at how it has ignited a genuine passion within me for protecting our oceans and preserving marine life.
I first came to know of this opportunity through a teammate who had participated the previous year. The virtual aspect was a crucial factor in my decision to apply. Since I have been training in Hong Kong, I was able to participate in ACE and commit to my athletic obligations. I was apprehensive before starting this program as it would be my first internship, but I would soon come to learn that it would be an amazing learning experience. Not only that, this opportunity also allowed me to make a global impact. Our project centered on creating an awareness campaign for a citizen science app eOceans. eOceans allows any person to log data on marine ecosystems to help in scientific research and conservation efforts. By doing presentations and creating social media posts for our community partner about eOceans, we could make an impact beyond our local communities.
One aspect of this internship that truly captivated me was the focus on Thailand’s culture. We had the privilege of connecting with local experts who shared their insights on the country’s rich history, culture, and unique challenges. Learning about Thailand’s delicate balance between development and conservation was eye-opening. It made me appreciate the importance of culturally sensitive approaches to conservation and the need for collaboration between stakeholders at local, national, and international levels.
Learning about Thailand’s delicate balance between development and conservation…made me appreciate the importance of culturally sensitive approaches to conservation and the need for collaboration between stakeholders at local, national, and international levels.
– Hayden Kwan, Stanford Men’s Swimming & Diving
Another highlight of this internship was the diverse range of masterclass workshops we had the opportunity to attend. These sessions covered various aspects of marine conservation and spanned across the globe. We had the opportunity to hear from an Australian conservationist working in Africa, a South African NGO trying to reduce food waste in the restaurant industry, and a Thailand migrant activist group helping Burmese immigrants integrate into Thai society. Engaging with industry professionals and experts in these workshops provided invaluable insights and broadened my perspective on the complex issues surrounding not just marine conservation but also Thai society. I was inspired by each of their stories to pursue community work.
My final but most enjoyable aspect of this program was the people I had the pleasure of working with. It was a great, humorous group that was really passionate about the work we were doing. As I reflect on my virtual internship, I realize that it has been a transformative journey. The combination of collaborating alongside dedicated student-athletes, immersing myself in the marine conservation field, and gaining insights through masterclass workshops has sparked a deep passion within me. I am now more committed than ever to contribute to the preservation of our oceans and marine life. This service internship has not only provided me with knowledge and skills but has also instilled a sense of responsibility to become an advocate for marine conservation in my own community.