Well hello and good evening from Traverse City, Michigan!
I actually just completed my PCR Covid test and now am organizing all of my clothing and supplies into my large, dusty blue duffel bag. The last two weeks I have been diligent in maintaining safeguards to remain as healthy as I can before departure.
I am filled with gratitude and excitement to be partaking in this amazing opportunity. Maria (MATE Internship Coordinator) and Kevin Kavanagh (from WHOI) have been wonderful in sending me lists of suggested items to pack, reminders, and tid-bits of valuable information to better my preparedness. This is my first internship in the Marine Technology field and I could not be more thrilled to watch, learn, and work alongside the WHOI team members. I was also invited to join the ROV JASON team’s weekly zoom meeting and that has been helpful to begin engaging with these individuals who will be mentoring me throughout the next 6 weeks.
Tomorrow I fly out to Portland, Oregon, then Sunday will travel to Newport, and finally get to board the R/V Thomas G. Thompson on Monday (pending negative covid tests). That will be my new “home” for the following 6 weeks.
**** Here is my dog, Emma!
I cannot imagine what different things await me and am looking forward to each and every one of them.