That's right, I'm back. I'm sorry I didn't update as much as I should have. I was very busy with exams and essays (but it paid off, I made the Dean's List woo!) and then on break I just wanted to chillax and never write again.

So... where did we leave off?

I went on a field trip with my class to Portland Point. It was very rewarding. I found tons of brachiopods and some crinoid and trilobite material. My finds include a small, orange colored crinoid, and a near complete trilobite that's partially rolled. I wish I could include pictures but the fossils are currently at home.

The internship continued as usual no new developments really, and I got an A in my fossil prep class. I wish I could go back and continue working on the fish but the prep lab is closed because it will be renovated starting February.

So where does that leave me? I received an offer from the Volunteer Coordinator to serve as an intern to the Museum Operations and Programs Coordinator. In this job I would serve as a tour guide as well as assist the Coordinator in organizing programs and events. I accepted because I feel that I would gain more experience than just doing busy work in collections which is important because I am considering working at a museum in the future. And, I can still appreciate the museum's specimens as a docent. I will still update the blog with fun facts I learn from tour guide training and with my experiences serving as an intern. I have found out how to get college credit for the internship so although it's too late to get credit for last semester, this semester I can focus more on my internship by not taking as many classes.

I'm already thinking about summer and whereI should work. I found a dream job out west for which I am adequately qualified but it's way too far away for my first summer in college. There's always next year! Instead, I am hoping to work at my local conservation center and museum but I would need to find and apply for a grant to get paid. I can't survive sophomore year unless I get a summer job! If all else fails, I can be a camp counselor again. Fun, but not relevant to my scientific interests.

This semester I am taking Evolution and Diversity, Ecology and the Environment, Evolution of the Earth and Life, and Statistics.

I'm sorry I left unannounced! I'll try not to let it happen again. I start next week

Until then,

Emily