My Time on an Island: Biscuits, Hatcheries and Bats
It’s the year 2020, and the world are currently being threaten by a global pandemic known as COVID-19. Lots of countries had been hit, major economy had downfalls, and millions had lost their source of incomes. Daily activities had stopped, and movements are restricted to contain the outbreak from spreading more and more. Meanwhile, as a student who are currently on his final year of university, finding an internship placement in order to graduate in time is a must, and with COVID-19 happening, things had become more difficult for him from time to time. There were less to none that are willing to accept any students during that time, given that the risks are very high and financially, most of the organization are incapable of hosting any of the students. However, as time flies, with the lifting of movement control order (MCO) by the Malaysian Government, chances had seemed to improve, and seeing such opportunity, he just had to give it a try. Although hardly tried many times to approach many organizations for a placement, nothing yet seemed to be sure at that time. It was until with Tengah Island Conservation finally after some times, that he had the chance to find an internship placement. For sure, a chance and experience that he shall never forget, during his entire lifetime.
My name is Izzat Hakimi, and this is my story.
Following up as a Marine Field Assistant Intern for almost 9 weeks, and counting until the end of October 2020 with TIC, I have been exposed to various works and activities. Most of them involves diving and surveys, sea turtle and hatchery management, beach and underwater clean-up, as well as involving in educational talks and outreach. Being in a small team of 5, I had the chances to learn doing everything here and that is to me, a really worthy experience for life. Tanya, the Program Director, Alberto, the Project Manager, Alzam, the Outreach Coordinator, and Alex, the Marine Field Assistant were all keen in guiding and assisting me as an intern, ever since the day one I stepped on this beautiful island. Not also forget to mention Sheldon, the Dive Manager, who always been helping me in improving my diving skills as well as providing advices and pointing out different perspectives of life. People said that there are no such things as having a great job with great people and surrounding environment, yet here am, luckily enough to experience both of the condition described.
Almost 10 weeks here, and I’ve already managed to gain knowledge and skills in sea turtle hatchery management, coral reef mapping, surveying and monitoring, seagrass identification and monitoring, preparation of corals biscuits for coral nurseries, surveying fruit bats on trees, approaching and educating people, and much more. An experience that I simply hope, everyone can have it as well! In life, I may didn’t get the chances as much, but I couldn’t be more happier that I get to be part of the team, doing the thing that I loves, even for a period of 3 months. A treasurable memory that I shall remember, including all the people in it. The TIC team, Dive & Activities team, and Batu Batu staff specifically. Thank you for such opportunity 😊
And as Steve Jobs once said:
“LIFE IS ABOUT
CREATING & LIVING
EXPERIENCES,
THAT ARE WORTH SHARING”
And to those who are currently reading this so-called internship diary, Tengah Island Conservation is indeed a great place to gain experience in the marine and its related field. To gain some good friends and good time, while enjoying life as it is. If any of you are hesitated in life, ask yourself again, “what it is that you want to do and achieve in life?”. Cause for sure mine is improving myself, while contributing for a better ocean and planet. Life for sure would be great if you do have purpose!
And cheers to that!