I had pinned almost everything I would be doing at the
aquarium. I cleaned tanks, changed floss
bags, filled tanks after backwashing, vacuuming out tanks, and I got to feed
fish, reptiles, amphibians; I was even allowed to do a feed show. There were days that I really enjoyed being
there and the work that I was doing.
There were other days where I messed up so badly that I wanted to drive
home and be done for the day. I learned
a ton about the animals that I worked with, how aquariums look like behind the
scenes, what all is involved in keeping one running and that being tall isn’t a
pro when it comes to working in an aquarium.
Most of all, I learned some things about myself that I didn’t know. 
Ever since
I was a child, I knew I wanted to be a marine biologist and work with
fish. Fish are super cool animals and I
stand by my original sentiments about them.
This summer was me putting my theory into practice. Yes, I loved feeding the animals, cleaning
the tanks and waving at the children that would watch me, and getting the
inside scoop. What I didn’t expect was
how I feel about it after three weeks.
As I have contemplated how I would enjoy this as a career, I came to
realize that I wouldn’t be content cleaning the same 20-30 tanks almost weekly
for the next 30 years of my life. The
time at the aquarium wasn’t wasted, I have learned that I need a different
career path and have two years to change my focus and try my hand at some other
biology and chemistry related fields. I
came away with some great memories and some great work experience with
animals.
Overall, I did enjoy my time there
and do not think for a moment that it was time wasted. I learned some very important things about
what working in an aquarium is really like, possible other career paths, career
environment preferences and how to keep myself motivated when I am making
mistakes. -Brenna
If you have any questions, feel free to email Brenna at brenna.cragun@gmail.com
