24 Aug From DC to TX!

My 10 week internship has finally come to an end. It started off slow but now its as if I just got to D.C.! Its a bittersweet feeling to have ended this internship but I am so excited to get back to my home in San Antonio, TX! The last 2 weeks have been busy tying up ends on my Harriet Tubman Jr Ranger project. Since I wasn’t able to fully complete the project using Adobe InDesign because I never got computer access, I had to make sure those completing my project had enough information and context of why I chose the text and activities I did.  Like I’ve said before I had to look into the Standards of Learning for Maryland, DC, and Virginia so that the activities and content in the Jr Ranger book are age appropriate and kids are practicing what they’ve learned in school. It was interesting to go through and reevaluate why I picked certain activities and what lessons they are reinforcing. I am proud of the work I did on the Jr Ranger book and really hope the activities are enjoyed by children visiting the Tubman sight once it opens in 2017. Working on this project has actually got me thinking of pursuing a career in museum education. I enjoy creating material that will teach kids not only about important stories, but also important lessons about historical events in a fun and interesting way. I am a firm believer that knowing your own history and the history of other cultures, paves the way for tolerance and respect and in turn creates better citizens and a better world. If I can help achieve this through my love of history then I can be extremely happy and satisfied with what I’ve done in my life. This experience has truly been a great one. I learned so much about myself and the skills that I have to offer in my future career path. I didn’t think I had it in me but, in a way, being on my own for this internship has boosted my confidence. I’ve seen that I can do a lot more than I ever imagined I can do or would do! I was so thankful that my presentation of my Jr Ranger book was received so well. They really responded to the content and activities I chose to include and felt they were a substantial update to previous Jr Ranger books. I still can’t believe how well it was received actually! I know I’m tooting my own horn but I am really proud of what I was able to create with the limited resources I had. I hope it not only teaches kids, but that they really empathize with the significant contributions of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad. So now I’m on my way back to San Antonio with the best carne guisada tacos, my car, my dog and my wonderful family and friends! I am very grateful to have had this opportunity and I hope to reunite with the wonderful friends I have made along the way. Many blessings! Bonnie 🙂 Here are some photos from my last week:

The BEST chicken! I’m serious and it’s in the middle of nowhere heading out to Cambridge.

Last day in Cambridge, Maryland at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and our temporary site for the Harriet Tubman National Monument.

Me and Diane

Cheesin’ again at my workspace.

Last day of my internship with my supervisor, Eola Dance.