Volunteering & Internship
All the activities to improve my skills and experiences
Work Integrated Learning Placement
A reflection of my work placement with The Scouts Australia in QLD
My WIL placement is with the Scouts Australia. The placement is based around quality education through leadership, teamwork, problem solving and communication. Scouts Australia provides Award Schemes that encourages participation and provides recognition of individual achievement using contemporary issues. Scouts Australia aims to foster young people’s development and character socially, physically, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. To meet Scouts philosophy, members of the staff play a huge role in delivering these active and learning opportunities to the community .
I worked with one other student in collaboration with our industry supervisors online to develop and undertake a series of weekly meeting and producing science translation of activities and reports.
Throughout this placement I have found myself utilising my knowledge all the way from first year at university and scientific research techniques for the different artefacts. It was a great way to demonstrate my collaboration and communication skills in a remote team environment. If given the chance, I will approach a similar experience the same way; brainstorming, discussions, planning, background research, drafting, revision, experiment, summaries, and finally final revision, all throughout with constant communication.
Artifacts From Interning at Scouts QLD
This report provides information and resources on climate change, carbon neutrality, and how scouting groups can take the information to conduct their own identification of their emissions. Thus, allowing them to reduce or offset their carbon footprint that could not be avoided. This report is inclusive of all levels of society, from businesses, organisations, homeowners, and scouts.
The will be shared to the Scouts Australia, who will then be able to use our report for educational purposes through activities and possible change some operations of these activities to prevent or reduce carbon footprints and emissions.
Carbon Emission Education Activity
This activity aims to grasp how much someone knows how long a rubbish takes to breakdown in landfill.
It is useful for raising awareness and implementing knowledge of common house hold items that will take time to degrade. Thus, making them think of their actions and how they can avoid or use less of these products and even be more particular in sorting rubbish.
It is very easy to implement. Starting by making sets of smaller pictures and time print outs & cut them up, objects to match pictures (optional), and a set answer picture and time set. We then start by giving groups the smaller card sets and ask them how long they think each items takes to break down in a landfill and to match the pictures with the time next to it. Then we can reveal the true answer and if there are questions as to why we answer.
The carbon offset checklist is provided for individuals who are interested in self-reflection of their practices at home, outside, whilst travelling, and camping. It provides ways individuals can change to offset their carbon emissions that they could not reduce or eliminate. Thus, providing options and information on how to improve themselves whilst improving the environment as well.
Remote Meetings
As someone who has been working remotely for some time now, I have gained several valuable skills that I would not have otherwise acquired. One of the most important skills is time management. With no set schedule or structured environment, it is up to me to create a routine and prioritize my tasks effectively. This has taught me to be more organized and disciplined with my work, resulting in increased productivity and efficiency.
Another important skill I have developed is communication. As remote work heavily relies on technology to connect with colleagues and clients, it is essential to be able to communicate clearly and effectively through various digital channels. This has allowed me to become more adaptable in my communication style and more aware of how my messages come across. Overall, my experience with remote work has not only allowed me to develop new skills, but has also helped me to become more self-sufficient and self-aware.
New Beginnings Level 1 marine conservation program
New Beginnings & Seaworld
The volunteers and myself helps drive and inspire potential growths in students pursuing their passion in marine biology. New Beginnings is dedicated to bringing positive change into the lives of our youths, through activities improving their anti-social behaviour while educating and enhancing their livelihood. I work alongside other volunteers and my supervisor in a marine conservation program, providing practical opportunities for students to experience what a real-life marine biologist could do.
Some of my contribution with the organisation involved coming up with two activities that teaches marine sampling with cheap and educational means for our students. I was also tasked with researching for what is needed in a manual required for a grant, to be able to provide for a larger group of interested and inspired youths wanting to learn more about marine biology.
My first successful New Beginnings Level 1 marine conservation program at SeaWorld, I learnt so many new things about climate change and it’s impact to the marine environment directly from the field expert. I was really surprised to see that all the kids are so well informed about climate change and what we can do to mitigate or adapt for a better future involving marine ecosystem’s health.
Week volunteer at Yaowawit School in Thailand
British International School Phuket
My week-long stay at Yaowawit School was a transformative experience that taught me a lot about environmental sustainability. The school prioritizes sustainability in all aspects of its operations, as evidenced by their efforts to grow their own produce to feed the children and distribute it to other places. What struck me the most was the massive solar panel array on campus, which they use to power the compound. It was inspiring to see how the school was taking steps towards reducing their reliance on government electricity and planning to improve the efficiency of the solar panels in the future.
The majority of the children who attend Yaowawit School come from backgrounds of varying difficulties, and many of them live on campus. For some, the school is the only opportunity they have to receive an education. The school not only provides accommodation and food, but also education and life skills to help improve their quality of life. I was particularly impressed by the school's hospitality program, which gives the children hands-on experience and prepares them for future employment in Thailand's booming hospitality industry.
Overall, my experience at Yaowawit School taught me the importance of sustainability and the positive impact it can have on individuals and communities. I left with a renewed commitment to promoting sustainability and supporting initiatives like those at Yaowawit School that prioritize environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
