My Summer Learning Re-cap on Impact at ACAP
Brynne LeRoy, 2025 Summer Student
Have you ever seen a massive asteroid? Yeah like the one that wiped out the dinosaurs? I didn't think so. But did that asteroid affect the way the world works around us today? You bet it did, I don't see any dinosaurs running around. The impact of that asteroid changed the entire trajectory of the planet. Although you may not always witness impact occurring right before your eyes, it has the potential to transform the whole world—and it can begin with you (not in an asteroid kind of way though- please do not try to become an asteroid).
I could not have imagined a better place for a curious explorer than my summer here at ACAP Saint John. Not only was I able to learn every day, but I was also able to apply my knowledge and skills in the field. Possibly the most exciting part… is that I was able to share science with children, community members, and other inquisitive students.
A calm day on the seal boat in the Musquash MPA
This summer I took on the position of Outreach and Education Assistant here at ACAP Saint John. My role was to help bridge the gap between scientific research and community comprehension. I was able to help translate data into a consumable conversation. Sometimes the community does not have the opportunity to learn what local environmental groups are doing. This leads to a gap—a gap that we here at ACAP are working to fill. It is more than just delivering a program; it is about translating environmental science into real, local impact. It is easy to speak science—it's harder to make science speak to people.
Working on water quality with a local summer camp
Throughout my summer, I began to understand that learning doesn't have to come from a classroom. It comes from asking questions, taking risks, being resilient and understanding perspective. Every day, I would come into work with a million questions about the natural world. The incredible team here at ACAP would share what knowledge they had, and would guide me towards finding the solution myself. Everyone here was so patient and understanding and I was so inspired by the way they talked about their work with such pride and enthusiasm. The content I learned this summer from trees to bees was spectacular- but what really changed me as a student was how motivated I became to be just like these guys.
When the field team needed help, I was often able to apply my new skills out and about. I found myself on the fishing team, traversing the harbour for all kinds of living species. Along with fishing, I was able to spend a couple days with the seal boat team- taking samples and capturing priceless photos. Yes, there were moments I thought I was going to be thrown off the boat because I wouldn't stop asking questions. But hey! I was able to learn so much, and was able to receive immediate feedback. And what is learning if you aren't taking a risk? It was incredibly helpful to have a chance to apply skills and knowledge in active situations. This opportunity helped showcase the importance of critical thinking and resilience, as the world is always a moving changing place!
The most rewarding part of my job was sharing science with the community. I helped guide many different activities, ranging from water quality testing to a bug birthday party! I can't make this one up- I went to a local stream to get some samples, and drove to a little girl's birthday party to explore what bugs we could find. When I was engaging with these community members, I was reminded of the way I felt when my co-workers taught me something new. I was able to share the same joy and curiosity with children and other locals. When kids would say they wanted to be just like me when they grew up, I was so fortunate to tell them that I was just like them! Learning, exploring and sharing every single day.
Left to right : A map (of the ocean) ; a mat (of cyanobacteria) ; and snap (shot) of some summer discoveries
As I leave my position here at ACAP to continue my undergraduate degree, I carry both the weight of a deeper comprehension of the natural world around me, and the opportunity to share it with other people. I am beyond excited to use what content I have learned here in unison with my degree to help impact our world and environment. The passion and pride this team has shared with me has impacted the way I learn, and how I want to continue studying. And perhaps my favourite part of all is how excited I am to keep impacting other curious students around me. Thank you ACAP for sharing your impact with me.
What impacts you, what are you going to do about it and how are you going to share it?
