Need a part time or summer job? Click here to obtain Working Papers application and information. You can also pick up an application from Mrs. Hirschfield.
Career Voyages - Career videos available in numerous industries to help young people research and make informed career decisions.

The Monster Board - Job search, employer profiles, recruiter's center, online resume and info on owning your own business.

PA Career Link - One-stop, On-line Resource for Job Seeker Services, Employer Services, Social Services and Training. Also, Resume preparation and related career links.

Occupational Outlook Handbook - Descriptions of various careers, working conditions, training and education needed, salary and job outlooks for a wide range of occupations.

Online guide to Vocational Schools - Career Training in one year or less.

Indiana.edu - Find lots of great information here about the academic and career related majors.

The following is a listing of volunteer and summer opportunities for Science Leadership Academy students. SLA encourages students to utilize their summers to participate in community service, internships, essay contests and any other activity that is going to enhance their educational experience. It would serve to demonstrate well roundedness and unique personal assets that colleges are typically looking for. Listings will be updated by Mrs. Hirschfield and is accurate as of the publishing date. Please contact her at khirschfield [at] scienceleadership [dot] org if you need additional information.

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CONSERVATION LEADERSHIP SCHOOLS: JUNE 22-28; and JULY 6-12

If your ideal school is one where the classrooms include over 7,000
acres of forest, fields, wetlands, and streams, and where learning
about our environment goes hand-in-hand with having fun and meeting
new friends, then the Penn State Conservation Leadership School (CLS)
is for you. It�s not a recreational summer camp, although lots of fun
is definitely on the agenda. It�s a RE-Creation experience, leading
you to learn, to live, and to think critically about sustaining our
environment.

In the unique setting at The Pennsylvania State University's Stone
Valley Recreation Area near State College, Pa., students between the
ages of 15 and 18 learn about the environment and conservation during
a one-week program that emphasizes field-based, hands-on learning,
group problem solving, and leadership.

This year's program will include a special session on leadership
developed by the PA Rural Leadership Program (RULE) and an interactive
ropes course challenge that will foster cooperation and teamwork. The
2008 curriculum will focus on important natural resource issues
including:

Analyzing your hometown drinking water
Participants will bring a water sample from home and learn how to testfor various pollutants that may occur in Pennsylvania water supplies.
Deer population management and habitat conservation
Representatives from the Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA)will discuss strategies on how to achieve biologically and sociallybalanced deer herds within existing environmental, social, and legalconstraints.
Recycling: Beyond the Bin
Students will get a behind- the-scenes look at the recycling processand learn how and why this essential. 3Rs (reduce, reuse, and recycle)
plays a key role in our waste management practices.

What is wood?
Participants may walk away from CLS with a new appreciation for one ofthe earth�s most versatile and sustainable resources.
"Green" Buildings
Students will tour some of Penn State's newest and award-winning"green" buildings, which bring together new technologies, sustainablematerials, and creative designs.

Conservation Leadership School is being offered twice this summer,
June 22-28 and July 6-12. The same program is offered for each week.
During their stay at Stone Valley, the students will work in teams
with the faculty and staff from the School of Forest Resources, and
representatives of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, the
Pennsylvania Game Commission, the Department of Environmental
Protection, the Pennsylvania Rural Leadership Program, and the
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Scholarships are available from participating Conservation Districts
in Pennsylvania and area sportsmen clubs for students representing
their district at CLS. For a listing of participating organizations
and to register online, please visit: http://conferences.cas.psu.edu
and click on Conservation Leadership School. For more information
please contact the Office of Conferences and Short Courses at (814)
865-8301 or email at shortcourse@psu.edu to receive registration
materials. Registration is limited so please apply early.

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The Pennsylvania Governor's Schools of Excellence are five-week long summer residential enrichment programs for 10th & 11th grade high school students. These highly competitive programs are free and take place on college campuses across the state. The eight Governor's Schools offer concentrations in the Arts, Teaching, Science, Agricultural Science, Health Care, Information Technology, Global Entrepreneurship, and International Studies.
For information see your counselor or visit the PGSE web site at Drexel University

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Abington Memorial Hospital will be hosting a "Meet a Student Nurse" Day on April 24th.
Students interested in nursing will have the opportunity to interact with Abington Memorial Hospital's student nurses in the hospital's clinical setting and meet with members of the Admissions staff to discuss professional nursing as a career.
For more information, see Mrs. Hirschfield.

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The Pennsylvania American Legion is conducting their 2008 High School Oratorical Contest.
Students will be asked to write and deliver an 8-10 minute speech on some phase of the Constitution, as well as a 3-5 minute extemporary oration on one of four assigned topics. Prizes include a $7,500 scholarship for first place, a $5,000 scholarship for second place, and a $4,000 scholarship for third place.
For more information, visit The Pennsylvania American Legion Website or contact Miss Gierke.

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The Pennsylvania American Legion is conducting their 73rd Annual Essay Contest.
The topic is "Should We Have a Draft for the Military?". Essays must be between 500 and 1,000 words. Prizes include a $3,500 scholarship for first place, a $3,000 scholarship for second place, and a $2,500 scholarship for third place
For more information, see Mrs. Hirschfield.

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Juniors in high school are invited to participate in the American Legion's Keystone Boys State Program. Students will get a chance to participate in a "learn by doing" program, to learn how our society and government function and create positive attitudes toward the American form of government--it is a workshop about democracy in action.
Applications will be considered on a first-come first-serve basis.
For more information, visit the Boys State Program page or see Mrs. Hirschfield.

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The Pennsylvania State Police and The American Legion are sponsoring a State Police Youth Week for sophomores and juniors in high school interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement or the military.
For more information, visit the American Legion Police Youth Week page or see Mrs. Hirschfield.

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The Congressional Student Leadership Conference (CSLC) is a unique summer opportunity for outstanding students. Students will attend career-focused leadership prgrams and explore a specific field of study, attending briefings and lectures by prominent leaders in the field, and participating in in hands-on simulations. Topics include Medicine & Healthcare, CSI: Forensic Science, Media & Journalism, Law & Trial Advocacy, U.S. Government and Politics, Business, Theatre and more!
For more information, see Mrs. Hirschfield.

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The National Constitution Center is currently looking for volunteers to assist visitors, work in the exhibition areas, and assist with office duties. Students must be at least fifteen years of age.
For more information and to receive an application, email a request to: volunteer@constitutioncenter.org

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The Princeton University Summer Journalism Program is a ten-day experience at Princeton University for current sophomores and juniors. The aim of this program is to encourage students from under resourced financial backgrounds to pursue careers in journalism.

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The 2007 Science and Engineering Education Program is an 8-week summer research opportunity offered to high school students through the Department of the Navy. Applicants must be 16 years of age or older. Candidates who complete the program will receive a $1500 stipend.

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Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week is a summer experience for high school students with an interest in a career in the business world. Sponsored by the Foundation for Free Enterprise Education, all students receive a scholarship of $425 from a Pennsylvania business or community organization. These one-week sessions are held on the Lycoming College Campus. For details and to apply go to PFEW

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The VESTED Program, sponsored by the College of Engineering at Villanova University, is a Saturday and summer engineering, technology, and science education program for underrepresented youth. For details contact Dr. Stephen Jones at (610) 519-5439.

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The Bronfman Youth Fellowships provides scholarships for twenty-six outstanding North American teenagers, from a wide range of Jewish backgrounds, to spend the summer between their junior and senior year traveling and studying in Israel. For details visit their web site at THE BRONFMAN YOUTH FELLOWSHIPS IN ISRAEL

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The Advanced College Experience (ACE) at the Community College of Philadelphia offers a variety of courses for students entering grades 10 - 12. Summer 2007 offerings include Acting, Introduction to Law, Introduction to Design and Construction, Psychology, and Web Page Design. To request a brochure and application , for more information go to: ACE Program or email ace [at] ccp [dot] edu or call the ACE hotline at 215-751-8310.

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Carnegie Mellon University offers a wide range of summer programs for high school students. The Summer Pre-College Programs include the National High School Game Academy, the Pre-College Fine Arts Program, and the Advanced Placement / Early Action program which offers a variety of college level classes. For details, go to Carnegie Mellon University.

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Columbia University Summer High School programs offer a variety of classes for students in grades 9 - 12, as well as a study program in Barcelona for students in grades 11 - 12. For details, go to Columbia University .

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The High School Summer Scholars program at Washington University offers high school juniors the opportunity to take college-level courses during this 5-week residential program. Scholarship assistance is available for students with demonstrated financial need. For information, go to Washington University .

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The Smith College Summer Science and Engineering Program for High School Girls is a three-week college experience for girls entering grades 9 - 12 in fall 2007. For information, go to Smith College .

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The Summer Study Programs at Penn State University, University of Colorado, and American University offer a pre-college experience for high school students. For information visit http://www.summerstudy.com .

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Bryn Mawr College summer programs for high school women include Science for College, Writing for College, and Personalizing the College Admissions Process. For information, go to Brynmawr College .

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Sarah Lawrence College offers a variety of residential summer programs for high school students including filmmaking, theater, visual arts, music, and writing. For information visit Sarah Lawrence College .

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Harvard Summer School Secondary School Program offers a variety of classes and options for high school students. http://www.ssp.harvard.edu .

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George Washington University Summer Scholars Pre-College Program offers 10-day mini-courses in Law & Evidence, Photojournalism, Election Politics, and Biomedical Engineering. IN addition there is a 6-week program for rising seniors. For information, go to George Washington University .

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Summer at Carleton College includes two programs: Carlton Liberal arts Experience, an all expense paid program for 10th grade students of African American descent or students interested in African American culture, and the Summer Writing Program which helps juniors learn to write an effective college essay. For information, go to Carleton College .

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Syracuse University Summer College for high school students is designed for rising juniors and seniors. Eleven 6-week programs allow students to earn up to 6 college credits. For information, go to Syracuse University .

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University of Delaware Summer Program is a 5-week residential experience for high school sophomores and juniors. For information, go to University of Delaware .

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The Junior Statesmen Summer Program invites high school students to experience to experience the challenge and excitement of politics and government on one of four college campuses - Harvard, Georgetown, Princeton, and Yale. Scholarships are available. For information, go to http://www.jsa.org .

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The Summer Institute for the Gifted offers residential programs at colleges on both the East and West Coast for students in grades 4 - 11. For information call 1-866-303-4744 ext. 5159.

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Sophomores and Juniors: The College Excel Dual Enrollment Program of the School District of Philadelphia offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to enroll in college-level courses while still in high school. Six local colleges currently participate in this program. If you are interested in taking a college class this summer or fall through the Community College of Philadelphia's Dual Enrollment Program, e-mail Mrs. Hirschfield at khircshfield [at] scienceleadership [dot] org now for details. The deadline for applying for the summer session is March 30th.

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Summer School at Lake Tahoe Grades 6-12 - Squaw Valley Academy Summer School. Earn credit for math, science, English, and more. Afternoon fun activities are hiking, kayaking, biking, swimming, rock climbing, etc. Fully Accredited.

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Volunteer at The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania this summer!
The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania is looking for teens (14-18) to volunteer and learn more about healthcare. The program begins June 25th and continues through August 24th.

Opportunities include working in various departments such as:
Nursing unit
Hospitality greeter
Information desk
Patient transport
Messenger service
Office assistants

If you are interested, you will have to complete an application and commit to volunteer for a total of 50 service hours. The application deadline is June 8th, 2007. For those who are interested in the medical field, this is a great opportunity. This can also lead to an opportunity to work here for your Individual Learning Plan, if you are interested.

You can pick up an application from my office and for more information visit www.pennhealth.com/volunteer .

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Summer Program at University of Penn!

This is a wonderful opportunity for our kids. University of Pennsylvania Summer Mentorship Program for High School Students

The University of Pennsylvania and the School District of Philadelphia are sponsoring a summer opportunity for 10th and 11th graders to learn about college and about careers in the fields of dental medicine, education, engineering/internet technology, law, medicine and nursing. Students can spend 4 weeks attending a program on the Penn campus. Only students attending high schools within the School District of Philadelphia are eligible.

Dental Medicine:
Participate in virtual reality dentistry. Travel on the Penn Smiles Mobile Clinic. Create and teach an oral health project to younger students. Visit Oral Surgery, Orthodontic, Implant and Pediatric Clinics.

Education:
Visit classes at museums, zoos, parks and summer camps . Create and teach a project to younger students. Visit a neuroscience lab to see
what your brain looks like when you are thinking.

Engineering / Internet Technology:
Learn how to repair and install computers. Training to become A+ certified. Earn an International Computer Driver's License. Visit exciting, high-tech companies.

Law:
Engage in a Mock Trial Exercise. Learn about Legal Research and Writing. Learn about basic legal rights. Visit courtrooms, law firms, and citizen's advocacy groups.

Medicine Program:
Study and handle human brains. Dissect sheep brains. Visit medical museums. Develop writing and public speaking skills.

Nursing:
Learn basic nursing skills like taking blood pressures. Serve as a "patient" for nursing students as they learn. Learn about occupational health hazards and what nurses do about them. Learn to teach family and friends how to be healthier.

High Expectations; Great Experiences:
Students who participate in the program are expected to be responsible and respectful, to complete and participate in all assigned work and to attend all the scheduled events. This is a unique opportunity to meet teachers and practitioners in a field of the student's interest. Students will be able to obtain hands-on experience and gain valuable mentoring from a variety of professionals.

Application Process:
Students are selected on the basis of their ability to benefit from the program. The selection process requires that students submit their transcripts, letters of reference, and statements about why they wish to participate. Applicants will also be interviewed. Click the link below for an application to download:

http://www.upenn.edu/provost/schoolapp2007.doc

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Temple University's College of Engineering offers a week long (July 8-13, 2007), on-campus summer residency program titled "Women's Engineering Explorations." The program gives interested sophomores, juniors, and seniors the opportunity to explore the world of enginnering and to discuss it with college professors, students, and distinguished guest speakers. For more information and an application please visit www.temple.edu/engineering/we2/we2.htm .

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Summer Student Ambassador Program
Every summer, the Volunteer Services Office at Pennsylvania Hospital offers a Student Ambassador Program for all students (ages 14-17). Teens who participate in this summer program receive a behind-the-scenes look at health care careers. The program targets high-school students who may be interested in pursuing a career in health care, but all students are invited to apply. Students are here Monday to Friday from 8:45 to 12:45 or from 12-4 in some cases. Each student will be required to serve a minimum of (4) hours per day, at least one day or more each week for a total of 50 hours.
· Program Dates: June 26 to August 31, 2007
· Completed Application Deadline - Student should complete before May 15.
· Weekly Schedule - t.b.a.
· Application Packets - Application packets can be obtained at the Volunteer Services Office, North Gatehouse from Tuesday through Thursday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. If you are unable to visit the office, the application can be mailed to you. For more informatio, please visit http://pennhealth.com/pahosp/volunteer/summer.html

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Teen Research and Education in Environmental Science (TREES)
Program Description
Beginning in 2007, the Center for Excellence in Environmental Toxicology will begin a community outreach education program for High School students. The Teen Research and Education in Environmental Science program (TREES) is a unique summer research and mentorship program offering a hands-on environmental research opportunity for motivated high school students.

This summer, approximately six high school students will work one-on-one with mentors on projects that they choose and design. Students will have mini-courses on environmental science during the first week of the program. During the first two weeks, they will also be given hands on instruction in basic laboratory skills that they will use later in their projects. From working on their project, they will learn a multifaceted approach towards a problem by conducting an in depth library research, training in scientific methodology, carrying out hands on-bench science and where, possible, field work.

After the program, students will be encouraged to present their science projects in their schools and science competitions. Past researchers from the lab have won awards and scholarships at local, state, regional and national science competitions for their work.

In addition, experts will give seminars with topics including environmental health and toxicology. Additional activities will include
workshops on topics including college admissions, science and engineering career exploration, and writing and presentation skills.

Tuition free rigorous six-week research program, from July 9th to August 17th. 2007 (Students will be responsible for transportation, lunches, project supplies). Open to high school students with at least 3.0 GPA and one year of class.

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Grand Canyon Youth 2008 Programs

Grand Canyon Youth is offering several outdoor summer learning programs for summer 2008. Students can choose from a variety of options to learn about science, community, writing, and/or leadership while they travel across natural landscapes by hiking and rafting.

If you are interested, please stop by Mrs. Hirschfield's office for an application. For additional information visit www.gcyouth.org

PSAT - Sophomores and juniors take the PSAT in October. For juniors, this serves as the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship program.

ACT - provides information about the ACT Standardized Test and testing dates and options. It also provides financial aid and career planning support

College Board - provides information about the SAT® and SAT Subject

Standardized Tests and testing dates and options. It also provides financial aid, college planning, and career planning support.

Mission Possible - This booklet includes useful tools, forms, checklists and financial aid information that students can use as they prepare for college beginning freshman year in high school.

FAFSA - contains an electronic version of the Federal Financial Aid application. This form must generally be filled out by all seniors before May. Check the website for specific deadlines.

There are million of scholarships available. Start reasearching them now! The following links are helpful

PSD Scholarship Clearinghouse

Fastweb

Collegenet

Scholarship.com

Hispanic College Fund

United Negro College Fund

The School District of Philadelphia and the Office of Accelerated Learning are offering dual enrollment courses with various local universities over the summer. This can be a great way of getting a head start into college. If interested, see Mrs. Hirschfield. The application deadline is Tuesday, April 15^th.

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PAID SUMMER INTERNSHIPS

WorkReady Philadelphia is offering 6-week paid summer internships to Philadelphia high school students who have had previous work experience. These internships give young people a taste of the working world, exposure to career oppuortunities, and an understanding of how school is connected to economic success.

If interested please see Mrs. Hirschfield and fill out an application ASAP

Also, the Pennsylvania Coalition for Representative Democracy (PennCORD) and PHILADELPHIA READS are looking for summer interns who will help promote active citizenship in elementary, middle, and high schools. They are looking for students entering grades 11 or 12 in the fall of 2008. If you are interested in civic responsibilities and pick up an application, or just want to know more, stop at Mrs. Hirschfield's office. Applications must be recieved by April 21, 2008. There is a $1,000 stipend for the work.

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ATTENTION 10th Graders

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Temple University Health System's Oppurtunities in Healthcare

Temple University is offering programs involved in healthcare for those student in 10th grade who are interested. The program begins in grade 10 and has progressive levels in which student's receive instruction from healthcare profressionals. For an application see Mrs. Hirschfield.

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GoGirlGo! Ambassador Team Awards

Gatorade wants to reward teams that demonstate leadership in their communities by inspiring girls to get involved in sports and physical activity through a community service project. Any school, amatuer, community and/or nonprofit affiliated teams whose members are female and enrolled in 9th-12th grade is invited to participate. Win $2,500 for you team! There is $50,000 total available.

Pick up an application in Mrs. Hirschfield's office. Deadline is July 18, 2008.

***SLA Girls***

Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania are seeking nominations for the Margaret Glenn Estey Award. This presitigious honor recognizes young women who have taken on projects that enhance the motiviation, aspiration, and self-esteem of girls. Each winner receives a cash prize of $100. Please note the deadline for nominations is February 29th, 2008.

Please stop by Mrs. Hirschfield's office for more information

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**Attention World Language Students**

The Eleanor L. Sandstrom Memorial Committee would like to inform you of the sixth annual award to honor world language students in the School District of Philadelphia. The following are the criteria for the award: Any student who is using a second world language to perform a linguistic service to non-English speakers, to organizations or institutions within the community may be nominated.

Winners are selected by lottery and receive a $500 U.S. Bond.

Notify Mrs. Hirschfield if you meet the criteria and are interested.

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Attention10th Grade Students!

I am planning a trip to Villanova University on March 13th and I am looking for interested students. Space is limited so please pass by my office (in between classes, at lunch time or after school) to sign up. I don't have all of the details at this time, but most likely this will be an all day trip.

I can't stress enough the importance of taking advantage of all opportunities to visit colleges, talk to college representatives, attend college fairs and begin gathering information about colleges that might interest you.

ATTENTION 10th GRADERS!! YOUR PSAT SCORE....

Now that you got your score, don't just put it away and try to forget about it! Remember this was just a practice test and hopefully, you will use this as an opportunity to learn where you need to improve and you will take some action to help yourself.

Here are some things you can do to improve your score:

1. Make sure that you use the access code given to you on your Score Report and go to www.collegeboard.com/quickstart to find explanations to questions on the test and a detailed analysis of your score. You will have an opportunity to improve your skills and take practice tests. I have seen this tool help some students increase their score substantially.

2. You can buy an SAT study guide at any bookstore to help you with techniques and strategies and more practice, practice, practice.

3. Stay tuned for SAT classes we will be offering in the Spring and make sure you sign up for them. Any free classes that come my way, I will make sure I let you know about them.

4. Make sure that you continue to do well in your classes and learn as much as you can; this will only help you.

And don't worry! If you didn't like your score, there's always next time! Edit

BECOME A WHITE WILLIAMS SCHOLAR......

Do you have good grades? Would you like to be compensated for your hard work? If you believe you this applies to you, please stop by my office and pick up an application.

The mission of White-Williams Scholars is to support high academic achievement in Philadelphia public high school students in order to increase their opportunities for success in the future. Recipients are awarded a monthly grant of $50-75.

Eligibility
Must be a Philadelphia resident and enrolled in a School District of Philadelphia public school
Must have all As and B™s in major subjects (may have one C balanced by an A in another major subject)
Must have qualifying family income (see application or visit website)
Must have good attendance and disciplinary record
For more information, please visit www.wwscholars.org or see Mrs. Hirschfield.

*** Attention 10th Grade Parents ***

Sign-up your child for the PSAT -Wednesday, October 17, 2007

SLA will be administering the PSAT on Wednesday, October 17th, 2007. You can sign up your child to take the PSAT on Thursday's Back to School Night with Mrs. Hirschfield, school counselor. The fee for the test is $13, payable in cash or check or you can send in the payment to school by Oct. 10th.

Also, we will be distributing the PSAT Official Student Guide next week, which includes sample test. Please make sure to review that guide with your child. If you have any questions about the test, please contact Mrs. Hirschfield or visit www.collegeboard.com .

Careers in Science Day at The Franklin Institute

SLA and other schools in the Philadelphia area had a wonderful opportunity to participate in the annual Careers in Science Day at The Franklin Institute. This was a unique opportunity to meet a panel of leading professionals in the fields of science and technology and ask questions about experiences which led up to their chosen careers. The students had meaningful questions and the panel was open and insightful about their selected career paths. In addition, the panel conveyed a commitment to the fields of science and technology by taking the time to speak to young people about their individual experiences.

One of the messages the panel expressed was the importance of taking time to engage in activities and opportunities that are going to broaden students’ knowledge about a particular field. In other words, it is important for students to take advantage of opportunities to interact with professionals in the field in order to increase their understanding of the field. These experiences can also serve to solidify students’ interest in that field.

One of our students, Nakkera Walker, took a step in that direction. Nakkera contacted Dr. Frank Fish to learn more about his field. Here is their exchange:

Dear Dr.Fish,

Hello my name is Nakkera Sowell-Walker and I am a student at Science
Leadership Academy. After hearing you speak at the Franklin
Institute on February 21,2007,I am contacting you because I have an interest in learning more about your job as a zoologist.

I would like the opportunity to continue our conversation about the
things I need to know or do now in order to help myself get to were I
want to be in life. Some questions I had for you would include - what
type of courses did you take in college? What are some thing you
accomplished in order to get where you are today? What made you
want to be an zoologist and was it your childhood dream?

Another thing I would like to know is are there any places that
you know of that I could get an internship at for next year? I have always
wanted to be either a Registered Nurse, veterinarian or a doctor. I would
love to know what some of your thoughts and ideas on it.

Yours truly,

Nakkera Sowell-Walker

Dear Nakkera,
I am glad to hear that you are thinking about a career with animals
or medicine. I had always wanted to work with animals and be a
zoologist since the age of 5. How I ended up to do the work that I do
was influenced to a large extent by the colleges I attended and my
various professors and mentors. In college, I took a broad science
curriculum. I took as many courses in biology as I could, including
zoology, botany, cell physiology, ecology, genetics, aquatic ecology,
comparative anatomy, comparative physiology, ichthyology, mammalogy,
vertebrate biology, human evolution, and animal behavior. I also took
courses in chemistry, calculus, physics and SCUBA. I think that I
have been successful at what I do because for me doing science is
having fun. I love to travel and visit other laboratories, meet with
other scientists and exchange ideas, and work with the animals. Of
particular importance is asking questions. If you don't know how
something works, simply ask a question and then figure out a way to
made an experiment to test a prediction. To get to where I am today,
I had to receive a bachelor's degree in Biology and then a master's
and Ph. D. in Zoology. I had to want to work with the animals and
science badly enough so that I remained focused on my dream of
working as a zoologist. There are internship programs at the
Philadelphia Zoo, Norristown Zoo and NJ Adventure Aquarium. You might
also ask for any positions t veterinary clinics or the U. Penn
veterinary school or see if there are any opens at area hospitals. I
hope this information helps. If you would like to discuss careers in
science further, please fell free to contact me. Have fun,

Frank E. Fish, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology

Department of Biology
Liquid Life Laboratory
750 S. Church St.
West Chester University
West Chester, PA 19383-2112

A Message to My SLA Students

Some of you may see me when I pick up a student from class, come to my office for a lab-coat, or need help with a personal or academic problem. Unfortunately, it is unrealistic even in our small school for me to interact personally with you each day. However, I want you to know that I am very observant and I interact with you in ways that you are not aware of. For example, I read your moodle messages on SLA Talk, follow your blogs, and in some cases have checked out your MySpace pages. Additionally, I know your grades, the classes you are having difficulty in and I communicate daily with your parents. My point is that I am getting to know you quite well! And getting to know you well is what I want to do because I can help you stay on track, prevent problems and offer guidance.

Now, because I am getting to know you well each day I feel compelled to bring some things to your attention that can help you be more successful in school. Most of you have expressed an interest in college after high school. Some of you have even expressed a specific career goal. Don’t worry if you don’t know your career goal yet; even some adults struggle with this! However, if college is your goal, then there are some things you can do right now to ensure that you make the best of your education and widen your opportunities. Here are some suggestions:

• Come to school daily with a positive attitude and ready to learn.
• Set some time aside daily to study, read and review work.
• Make sure that you complete all of your homework assignments. Dismissing homework can bring down your grades.
• Try to earn the best possible grades. Grades count!
• Take challenging classes when you have the option.
• Attend tutoring sessions with your teachers if you are having difficulty in a subject.
• Communicate with me and/or your advisor when you need help. It might help to be on a Daily/Weekly Report.
• Enroll in extra-curricular activities. It will demonstrate your uniqueness and well-roundedness and it can be fun.
• Use your summer for enriching learning opportunities. Enroll in a course, do community service, take an educational trip.

These are some things that can hopefully help you be more successful in school. I know that it is difficult to imagine, but before we know it, 11th and 12th grades will be here and you will have less to worry about if you were careful about your academics.