Hello! I am Talia, an incoming high school senior at College Prep in Oakland, and Iโve been a Habitat and Restoration fellow here at Save The Bay for the past six weeks. I found out about this opportunity from an elective class Iโm taking at school entitled โSTOak,โ which stands for โSocial Transformations in Oakland.โ The year-long course involves researching the history of Oakland, learning about different social movements here, and discussing how the city has changed over time. To make a difference in the community, each student was matched with an Oakland non-profit for a summer internship covering local issues. I applied to Save The Bay because Iโd enjoyed a previous experience volunteering for the organization, and I was inspired by the way its staff focus on restoration while simultaneously supporting policies that benefit the Bay. A key part of Save The Bayโs mission is to educate the community about the Bay and the threats it faces, and during my time here Iโve had the opportunity to help lead multiple education programs. These events teach students from around the Bay Area about tidal marshlands, providing them with hands-on activities by the water and in nurseries. In exploring Bay wetlands with staff and students, I now have an even deeper understanding of plant propagation and maintenance (such as weeding, watering, and mulching). 
With college on the horizon, I now know that I want to keep learning about environmental science and policy in some way. As my fellowship winds down, Iโm even more excited to take AP Environmental Science this year in school. Iโm also grateful to have work experience in the non-profit world. It was really valuable to see how peopleโs unique backgrounds shape the workplace at Save The Bay. Iโve discovered that although everyone here brings something different to the table, they all have a strong passion for making Oakland and our surrounding environment cleaner and healthier. Their determination makes me eager to consider career options in environmental science and sustainability. 
Iโve thoroughly enjoyed my past six weeks with Save The Bay, and Iโm sad to say goodbye to people Iโve met and to wrap up the work Iโve been doing. I know that my experiences here will stick with me into college and beyond, and Iโm very grateful that I had this amazing opportunity to spend my summer in such an educational and fulfilling way. If youโre curious, Save The Bayโs Fellowship program includes other opportunities besides the habitat and restoration work Iโve been doing. Click here to see all the Fellowship possibilities with Save The Bay. I encourage anyone interested to go ahead and apply!
