Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Internship Updates

I got my first reply from the REU internships I've been applying to yesterday. Shannon Point Marine Center has sadly not hired me. However, they did get an astounding 119 applicants for 8 positions, very few of whom were unqualified. They had to narrow down the field by limiting it to marine science majors with at least junior status, of which I am neither. So, I have two more REU's to hear back from, one should come in the next few days and the other I'll find a out about in mid-April.

In the meantime, I have been having fun looking up internships with the Students Conservation Association (SCA), an organization that works to get young adults outdoorsy, science based positions within the nationally owned lands; National Parks, Naval bases, Wildlife Refuges, etc. These applications are actually fairly easy because you simply sign up on their website and check the internships that you're interested in. Then you do the application (which after the REU apps is a breeze) then SCA sends your application to all the intern directors from the positions you indicated. I have indicated interest in 20 internships (they suggest that you apply to as many as you find interesting in order to increase your chances of being accepted). The most interesting internship I have found is at the US Naval Station at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. I'm not sure if I'm quite qualifies for this one, they want a lot, but I figured I'd apply; what other students (or anyone for that matter) can say they've studied wildlife in Cuba. Thus far my application has been forwarded to one Forest Service park (which is pretty good seeing as I only applied a day or two ago): the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. I have to call them within the week to set up a phone interview.

Finals Update:
They suck. Calculus melted my brain this morning, but after a scare of not remembering how to do several big problems I was able to slow down and figure it all out. I think I'll do well...

Sunday, March 14, 2010

I'm Not Dead Yet

My sincerest apologies for not writing in so long!

Tomorrow WWU students begin finals week. I sadly have to be here for all of it, my last final is Friday morning so I don't get to leave early like nearly every other student gets to, the bastards. I'm feeling pretty good about all of my finals, of course I've felt pretty good about every test this quarter and still all I get is B's. Hopefully there will be improvement when it comes to finals.

On Saturday Western played WSU, winner goes to regionals. Both teams were undefeated going in, and the game was intense! The Flames (WWU) took an early lead and kept it through the first half. During the second half WSU eventually took the lead and won the game 15-14. Everyone was playing at their best and all of us on the sidelines were yelling so hard we were nearly passing out. We all believe that we should have won, but the Sir (rugby ref) missed some stuff that allowed WSU to get ahead when they shouldn't have been allowed to. Ah well though, they can't see everything (though that Sir is crap).

I have been trying to carry my camera around more lately so as to get pictures of whatever is going on in my life. Here is some of it:

A sculpture in a yard on High Street. I pass it anytime I go into downtown. I personally am most amused by the leash. (though that may be for theft)

Flowers that I bought at the Coop to brighten up the room a little. It was a particularly spring like sunny day. The little tree on the left is Tanya's.

Closer...

On Wednesday I finally hiked to the top of the arboretum. At the top there is a radio tower.

At the base of the radio tower is a shack where you can hide from zombies...

A- going through the "Tunnel through Time" in the arboretum

The lookout tower at the very top of the arboretum.

Me! At the top

That's all for now! Ta ta!