Lena Ware

My Summer at the Iris Griffith Centre:

Position: Junior Centre Assistant

Schooling: 1st year, Resource Management Officer Technology, Vancouver Island University

I was 5 years old when I moved from Pender Harbour to Vancouver Island and it feels great to be back here on the untouched Sunshine Coast! I have almost completed my four months here and can feel an increase in my independence, and especially, my confidence. During this job, my ideas come to life. The responsibility and trust I received is something I have never experienced in any other position. I will definitely miss working here.

My daily activities at the Iris Griffith Centre include; office work and retail, aquarium care, garden care, visitor tours and interpretation, creating interpretive displays, general maintenance, and planning and delivering programs and events for kids eg Lagoonies Club.

Overall, this job is perfect for anyone dedicated to nature appreciation or green building and motivated to bringing their ideas to life!

Alex Chen

A Truly Amazing Experience:

Position: Senior Centre Assistant

Schooling: 3rd year, Environmental Science- Environmetrics, Simon Fraser University

The Sunshine Coast is one of the most amazing places in the world and yet it is so accessible by everyone. I was fortunate enough to receive this great opportunity to work at the Iris Griffith Centre. Coming from the suburbs of Vancouver, I gained huge insight in how calm and peaceful the world can be. It was a truly amazing experience. I thank everyone at the Iris Griffith Centre and the Ruby Lake Lagoon Society for allowing me to come up to the Sunshine Coast.

My Daily Activities at the Iris Griffith Centre include; Office and retail work, event and workshop planning, Planning and assisting with Lagoonies Program, helping supervise the Junior Centre Assistances and website maintenance.

This summer, I learned a lot and the job is great for all those who are willing to experience something extraordinary.

Cassandra Whelan

I have been involved with the Iris Griffith Center for a few years now. In May 2012 I will be graduating from the University of Northern British Columbia with my BSc in Biology. During 2009 I was the only summer student and learnt a lot from many great people over four months. During this time I assisted visitors, helped organized events, helped with Nature School, made sales, removed weeds, cared for the aquaria, cleaned, etc. 

In 2010 I returned just for the spring, and mainly assisted Lee-Ann Ennis with the Nature School Program. This past summer I worked at the center during July with four other students. It was great to have so many of us there as we got the opportunity to do various types of work. One of my main activities was organizing the children’s Lagoonies drop-in program with Lena. 

My time at the Iris Griffith Centre has been great; I have learnt so much and enjoyed the variety of work. Undoubtedly my favourite part of working at the center has been with the Nature School and Lagoonies program. These experiences led me to intern with the Vancouver Aquarium’s AquaVan, educating schools and communities throughout Alberta and BC on marine biology and conservation. Throughout my time at the Iris Griffith Center I have seen it grow, but have also seen myself grow thanks to the wonderful and knowledgeable people there!