Throughout my internship in MINA, I gained work experience that allowed me to learn how to manage my time, network with fellow interns and mentors, manage my schedule, and learning new techniques. This internship helped me explore different paths and careers which I look forward to using in future working environments. By cutting and sorting plastics, my contribution to MINA will help create 100% renewables such as keychains, a bowl, etc. As the future generation, being in MINA helped me acknowledge the important role they play in conserving the ocean. I look forward to engaging myself in community events and outreach, taking actions for our community, and informing our youth and the community the importance of programs like MINA.

Through my internship at MINA, I’ve learned many things. Not only did I gain knowledge about recycling, but I gained valuable understanding about the real impact of plastic pollution and the effort it takes to manage waste sustainably. I felt proud knowing that my work and efforts contributed to a cleaner island environment. This experience has shown me how small actions can lead to bigger changes.

Being able to work with the staff of MINA, learning about our islands in more ways than just about its environmental state, and putting work in order to help sustain our beloved island has been the highlight of my internship. Just like any other interns, I have contributed to this project by doing my assigned task rigorously, whether it's cutting plastics for the 3D machine, collecting plastics to recycle from different locations around the island, or simply separating kinds of plastics from a plastic bottle. Wrapping up my experience, I can proudly say that this project helped me: not just boosting my knowledge and wisdom but also helped me expand my horizons beyond just holding a pen and paper at school.

        My MINA time was worth it. I discovered more about plastic pollution, sustainability, and the impact of environmental activities in our community through the program. Even the sorting and cutting of plastics appeared irrelevant, but I came to realize how they are helpful in accomplishing a bigger goal of reducing wastes and creating useful products out of recycled materials.

        Aside from learning from the environment, I was able to gain a lot of useful skills like teamwork, and time management. I was able to appreciate volunteerism through this experience, and I was inspired to be more committed to serving environmental causes. I value the experience and look forward to assisting more projects in preserving and protecting our home island.

Throughout my internship at MINA really changed the way I see plastic and waste. I used to think recycling was just tossing stuff in the right bin, but I learned there’s a whole process behind it and it’s not easy. I saw how plastic pollution affects our island and how much effort goes into fixing that. Being part of a team working toward a cleaner, healthier environment made me feel like I was doing something that actually matters. It made me realize that even small efforts can build up to something big if enough people care.