A Heartwarming Internship Reflection from Boston University-Bound Gianna Fischer

Beach Sweeps Intern - Gianna Fischer

From Left to Right: International Intern Axelle Allain, Beach Sweeps
Intern Gianna Fischer, and COAST Intern Macailagh McCue out at sea!

"The closing of this week brings the end of my internship at Clean Ocean Action. My experience with COA these past 4 months has been beyond anything I could have imagined. My time here has not only provided me with an entirely new understanding of some of the issues that trouble coastal communities, but also with an entirely new network of remarkably dedicated and driven people who will continue to inspire me with their passion and intelligence for years to come.

I have had the pleasure of working with the data from this past April’s sweeps, gaining a greater understanding of the pollution that litters New Jersey beaches. I have also had the opportunity to attend a variety of events, such as COA’s bi-annual Student Summit, the annual Back to the Beach Event, press conferences (on the beach!) and environmental rallies.

One of the biggest projects I worked on this summer was the Corporate Beach Sweep Program. I worked with Chelsea and Zach to schedule and run Corporate Sweeps. Working with companies who were dedicated to bettering their communities was wonderful. The people that I met while working with the businesses inspired me to continue to work for a cleaner and better-protected ocean.

Perhaps the most valuable lesson I learned this summer is this: There is no community more closely knit than one who joins together to make the world a better place. My coworkers at Clean Ocean Action have taught me indispensible lessons and have made this internship an experience that I will never forget. I am honored to have worked with a group of such passionate and driven people for an organization that stands up for what is right, regardless of how daunting the fight."

Gianna will enter Boston University’s class of 2017 this fall as a Communications major and intends to pursue a second degree in Marine Biology.

Boston University Bound Student Joins the COAlition

Gianna Fischer- Middletown High School South- Class of 2013

In just a few short weeks as a summer intern at Clean Ocean Action, I have learned so much about some of the most pressing environmental issues that we face on the East Coast. As a high school student, I attended the Marine Academy of Science and Technology for two years, and Middletown High School South for the remaining two years. It was at M.A.S.T. that I discovered my passion for marine science, and since then I have decided to pursue a degree in Communications and Business with a minor in Environmental Studies as a college student at Boston University next year.

It is a dream for me to be able to combine two things I am extremely passionate about: my love for communications and my love for the environment. I believe that many of the world’s problems stem from lack of communication or miscommunication. I think that one of the main issues that should be addressed is lack of knowledge about everyday environmental issues. How can people be expected to put an end to pressing issues, such as ocean pollution, if they do not know how it starts or what the best way to handle it is?

After I graduate college, I hope to become a Public Relations manager. What I mostly look forward to is being able to communicate my knowledge of the environment with some of my clients, with the intention of spreading the word on environmental issues and steps that can be taken to eventually put an end to pollution and other areas of environmental concern.