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Hello! My name is Samantha Sliger, the 2023 Sarasota County summer intern, and I am thrilled to share my reflections on an incredible internship experience that has truly shaped my path toward a meaningful career in sustainability. With a background in public relations and a deep concern for the environment, I knew there had to be a way to combine my passion for communication and graphic design with my love for the planet. And so, my quest to find my niche in sustainability began.
The Circular Economy: A Turning Point
During my final semester in college, I enrolled in a “Sustainable Living” class that opened my eyes to the concept of the circular economy. The idea of promoting a regenerative approach to resources and eliminating waste resonated deeply with me and compelled me to seek a career that could drive positive change for the environment while leveraging my creative skills.
A Journey to Sarasota: Finding Purpose and Mentors
After a Google search, I discovered an internship opportunity in Sarasota that seemed the perfect fit. Little did I know that it would be so much more than just a learning experience. The people I met along the way became my mentors and friends, introducing me to the breathtaking beauty of Florida. The work and research I conducted prepared me significantly for my next step in pursuing a master's degree. This experience has given me the confidence to pursue a future career in sustainability, and I am immensely grateful for the valuable lessons learned from these wonderful individuals. Here is a snapshot of some of the work I had the privilege to do while splitting my time between the sustainability and ecology/natural resources programs.
A Look Into My Internship
Heat Outreach
One of the most rewarding facets of my internship revolved around the creation of heat outreach materials for the sustainability program. Confronted with the escalating global temperatures, I embarked on a mission to educate and enlighten others about the impact of extreme heat. Crafting informative factsheets, captivating blog posts, compelling videos, and engaging social media content allowed me to effectively communicate the urgency of climate change and shed light on the critical issue of extreme heat awareness.
Connecting with Nature and Wildlife
Engaging in the creation of a comprehensive course aimed at educating community members on the art of coexisting with wildlife proved to be an enriching journey. It provided me with the opportunity to immerse myself in the captivating realm of wildlife and gain insight into the importance of cultivating eco-friendly interactions. Across the duration of the summer, I crafted over ten blogs that collectively formed the series titled "Florida Wildlife FAQs." The gratification of this endeavor lies not only in providing valuable answers to Florida residents but also in fostering a deeper connection and promoting a harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world.
Promoting Community Wide Energy Efficiency
An additional aspect of my internship involved supporting the energy upgrade team, which collaborated with the Sarasota County Housing Authority. During energy sweep days, my colleagues and I visited low-income housing units to implement energy-saving solutions, such as installing LED light bulbs, low-flow showerheads, kitchen and sink faucet aerators, weatherproofing materials, and other similar items. Observing the transformation in people's attitudes was remarkable. Initially, there was some hesitation when we knocked on their doors, but as we began installing the devices, residents became more involved. This initiated a productive conversation that allowed everyone to gain insights into sustainable practices.
Volunteering and Making a Difference
During my internship, I had the privilege of volunteering for several impactful organizations. Participating in the Mote Marine clean-up on World Oceans Day allowed me to witness the urgency of ocean conservation firsthand. Working with All Faiths Food Bank to sort and distribute food for those in need highlighted the importance of sustainability in tackling food insecurity. Moreover, through Hope4Communities, I had the opportunity to connect with families while distributing energy and water conservation devices, reinforcing the significance of sustainable living at the grassroots level.
Inspiring the Next Generation
During my two weeks at 4-H Camp Exploring Your Environment summer camp, I had the pleasure of mentoring and leading activities for young minds eager to learn about nature. Watching their enthusiasm while identifying animal tracks and creating plaster molds was a heartwarming experience that reinforced the importance of inspiring and empowering future generations to care for the environment.
Promoting Accessibility to Nature
In my final weeks, I worked on developing promotional videos for the GIS Trail system. The Natural Areas Virtual Experience Storymap allows people to connect with nature easily through an interactive app. The project aimed to make nature more accessible to all and foster a deeper appreciation for our natural surroundings. I was also able to explore the preserves and spotted some amazing wildlife!
Embarking on the Next Chapter
As my internship comes to an end, I'm thrilled to begin my next chapter. I'll be heading to London, England, to pursue a master's degree in sustainability management at the University of Westminster.
Leaving my comfort zone and transitioning from Morgantown, West Virginia to Sarasota has been an immensely rewarding experience, fostering significant personal growth. Now, as I prepare to embrace London's diverse culture and meet new people, I carry with me the invaluable lessons, experiences, and cherished relationships I cultivated during this transformative internship. I look forward to the opportunities that await and the chance to continue making a positive impact on our planet's future.
A Heartfelt Thank You
To my supervisors, Katherine and Sara, thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn and grow under your guidance. Your mentorship has equipped me with the knowledge and passion to continue making a difference in the field of sustainability.
To my mentors, Alia and Zahir, your wisdom and support have been invaluable. I am grateful for the open conversations and the genuine friendships we have formed.
To the UF/IFAS team, you have created a welcoming and uplifting environment that fostered my personal and professional growth. Your kindness and encouragement have made my time at Twin Lakes truly unforgettable.
As I finish my reflections, I strongly urge those looking for an internship to explore their environmental passions and desire to work with outstanding individuals to seriously consider this unique opportunity.
Cheers,
Samantha Sliger
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