The Young and Passionate Megan Brookes
Megan Brookes became involved with Florida Oceanographic because she has always had a passion for the environment. When she first started as a volunteer at Florida Oceanographic, Megan was looking for somewhere that she could be a part of the conservation efforts in her local community. She certainly found an abundance of opportunities at Florida Oceanographic.
Working with the Education Department, Megan volunteers as an Exhibit Guide, teaching those who come to the Coastal Center about the animals in the touch tank as well as the different exhibits in the Ocean EcoCenter. “I love animals,” says Megan, “and I hope to attend school for zoology in the future.”
During the past two summers, she has also volunteered as part of the Teen Conservation Ambassadors program at Florida Oceanographic. This month-long program presents young people with an opportunity to work with other teens on conservation efforts in the community. Participants learn about local ecosystems, restoration efforts and personal stewardship. Megan is also involved with Keep Florida Beautiful Youth Council.
Volunteering at Florida Oceanographic for close to two years, Megan has accumulated nearly 100 hours of service. “Watching the young kids interact with the animals and the exhibits is one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had,” she says of her time interacting with guests. She said she feels everyone on the Florida Oceanographic team has always been so welcoming. “Whenever I come to the Coastal Center, I feel such a sense of community and enjoy every single shift and visit that I have at the center.”
Megan is a full-time student at Lincoln Park Academy in Fort Pierce, Florida. Currently halfway through her junior year of high school, she is part of the school’s International Baccalaureate program. Megan also participates in the school’s young adult book club and is on the school’s varsity swim and track teams. She enjoys running and will be the captain of the girls’ swim team in the fall.
Born in Stuart, Florida, she has lived here her entire life and can’t imagine living anywhere else.
One of Megan’s most amazing experiences was seeing the pandas at the Smithsonian National Zoo this past summer while visiting Washington, D.C. She recalls the day as exciting and awesome and says, “I will never forget it.”
Snapshot:
Born in: Stuart, Florida
College plans: Pursue a career in zoology and to one day become a zoo veterinarian
Favorite local restaurant: Conchy Joes, Stuart Boathouse and Joy’s Ice Cream in Port St, Lucie
Recent books: “Dangerous Alliance” by Jennieke Cohen and currently reading “Sense and Sensibility “by Jane Austen
Favorite authors: Jane Austen, Carl Hiaasen, Alice Oseman, and Karen M. McManus among others.
Movies, TV, streaming series she would recommend: both “National Treasure” movies, “The Princess Bride”, “Ferris Buehler’s Day Off”, “Criminal Minds” and “Anne with an E”.
