4th and Last week at Explora! : Marilyn Upchurch

Image result for Explora AlbuquerqueMy internship at Explora was an amazing opportunity. I was able to see behind the scenes of all the hard work that has to be done to make Explora amazing. I have met amazing educators who truly care about teaching children in our community. Everyone (staff) at Explora is so passionate about what they do and I think its because they know they are making a difference in New Mexico. I used to think that Explora was just a museum in my state, now I know that it's a family, its an adventure, it truly is a learning center for ALL ages. I am going to miss all of the people I met here because to be quite honest everyone at Explora is so friendly, kind, and helpful! When I was leaving today, everyone that I worked with gave me a big hug and they gave me souvenirs! I'm going to miss making bubble solution, colored ice, tour groups, camp classes, re stocking materials, helping educators get supplies for the class, and I am going to miss the kids. I love working with kids( especially when they behave) and I love being there when they have that "aha" moment because they finally understand something and that is just so cool. It was cool when I went on groups and at every exhibit each person reacted to it differently for example some of the building exhibits or water exhibits each group had different ideas on the design. I loved being there to help others learn, and I seemed to learn something new each day as well. 

This week I helped with prep for camp which meant a lot of cutting, gluing, cutting, and gluing. Honestly it was pretty fun because I was able to make new friends while we were working on the tasks together. I also took out tour groups this week which is always interesting because you just never know what to expect. I made a contact list with all of the schools in New Mexico so that Explora can contact schools with information about outreach programs during the school year and over the summer. This week there was also a meeting with all of the interns. It was very cool to see how much Explora impacted others and myself. I liked sharing my experiences while being there and thanked them for everything.
 



Next week Explora asked me to come to a lunch in that they are having with sponsors. They want to show all the internship programs that come through Explora and how they make an impact on students. Explora has a internship program for high school students to teach them work ethic, how to make a resume, how to act during a job interview, etc. 
On a side note, I contacted Ricardo Stanoss at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute for advice with my degree plan. He was very helpful. If it wasn't for the Smithsonian Latino Center Young Ambassadors Program I wouldn't have had these amazing opportunities and new contacts. Thank you so much! I start College in about 2 weeks and I can honestly say I am nervous and excited. I wish you all luck with everything that you do. I consider the Young Ambassadors Program as a huge blessing to me!
Marilyn Upchurch





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