Sydney Mentrup

1 Chico Place
Belen, New Mexico 87002
1/28/2018
John Noel
Chief of Interpretation
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Cumberland, Maryland 21795

Dear Mr. John Noel

I am writing to apply for the position of Education Coordinator Intern that was advertised on the Student
Conservation Association website in January 2018. I am a biology student with The University of New Mexico,
with a focus in environmental science and sustainability. I am expecting to graduate in May 2019. I am
confident that my experience and teaching skills make me an ideal candidate for your open position.

Over the past five years, I have worked in a variety of National Parks as an environmental educator. I have
taught and developed numerous programs to thousands of visitors. I have lead research studies to gather
information for these programs and have created new sustainability programs at individual parks. I have
extensive experience working with children, ranging from all ages. I pride myself on developing programs
that can be enjoyed by all ages and especially include families. Some of my most satisfying experiences as an
environmental educator have come from hands on learning experiences that allow families to grasp a new
and sometimes foreign, concept. I know I would thrive as the Education Coordinator in your park, due to my
teaching beliefs and the skills you are seeking.

During my time working at the National Parks, I was a full-time student at The University of Cincinnati. As
stated above, I am a biology major with a focus in environmental science and sustainability. I have taken
numerous courses that have prepared me for this position, including a course dedicated to environmental
education. Not only does my education experience suit the needs of your park, but I am familiar with
preforming kid friendly research projects, such as taking water and soil samples.

I am confident that my teaching experience, my familiarity with working in National Parks, and my research
interests all make me an excellent candidate for the of Education Coordinator at Chesapeake and Ohio Canal
National Historical Park. I have attached my resume and the two references. I would be happy to send you
any additional materials such as letters of recommendation, employee evaluations, and past programs. Thank
you so much for your consideration; I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Sydney Mentrup

Sydney Mentrup
1 Chico Place
Belen, NM, 87002
513-555-5555
sydneymentrup@gmail.com
 Sydney Mentrup
1 Chico Place Belen, NM 87002 | 513-555-0650 | sydneymentrup@gmail.com

Profile
Motivated and enthusiastic professional with exemplary public speaking skills. Talent for quickly mastering new tasks
and overcoming obstacles. Diplomatic and tactful with professionals and non-professionals at all levels. Flexible and
versatile – able to maintain a sense of humor under pressure. Thrive in fast pace, fun, and self-driven environments.
Excellent team-building skills.

Education
UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI | COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCE | 2015-2016
· Double Major: Biology and Environmental Sciences
· Minor: History

UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO| COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCE |2017-2019

· Double Major: Biology and Environmental Sciences
· Minor: History

CERTIFICATIONS AND SPECIALIZED TRAINING

· CPR
· First Aid
· Blood Borne Pathogens and Transmission Containment
· Stress Management
· Advanced Volunteer Management
· Advanced Interpretation and Education

REFERENCES
Nathan Souder | Superintendent, DeSoto National Monument | nathan_souder@nps.gov
Craig Morris | Resource Education| james_c_morris@nps.gov
Heather Xiong |Lead Educator, Park Ranger| heather_xiong@nps.gob

Experience
INTERPRETATION INTERN | NATIONAL PARK SERVICE | COLONIAL NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK,
WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA | JULY 2017-NOVEMBER 2017
1000 Colonial Parkway, Yorktown VA, 23690| Supervisor: Paul Carson 757-898-2416

· Developed interpretive programs focusing on ecological resources of Historic Jamestown

· “Swamp Stomp” led visitors on nature walk identifying native and invasive species of plants and animals
· “Animals of Jamestown” interactive touch program describing native species of Jamestown and their
adaptations
 · “Pinch Pot Pottery” engaged visitors in an interactive program to create a pinch pot of their own while
informing of the natural environment
Daily duties:
· Presented programs daily to visitors
· Promoted care for natural environment
· Staffed Information Desk as needed
· Assisted with daily operations, including opening and closing Visitor’s Center

CENTENNIAL VOLUNTEER AMBASSADOR | NATIONAL PARK SERVICE | TIMUCUAN ECOLOGICAL AND HISTORIC
PRESERVE, JACKSOVILLE, FLORIDA | MAY 2016-JUNE 2017
13165 Mt. Pleasant Rd, Jacksonville Fl, 32225| Supervisor: Nathan Souder 941-792-0458 x101

· Developed a curriculum program for Duval County Public Schools, the 6 th largest school system in the United States.
· Delivered educational programs to school groups ranging from groups of 10 to groups of 120
· Assisted in the development of the programming for Junior Ranger Jacksonville which is designed to reach unserved
population.
· Identified and recruited volunteers to fill the volunteer opportunities existing within the park
· Developed new volunteer positions for high school students
· Optimized recruitment of volunteers using social media and the leveraging of communication networks
· Identified and planned events across Jacksonville including group campouts, canoeing, festivals, and education events
· Experienced with interpretive training and materials

GIRL SCOUT TROOP LEADER | GIRL SCOUTS OF WESTERN OHIO | AUGUST 2015-MAY 2016
10 McClelland Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45217| Supervisor: Cheryl Shrider 513-619-1424
· Directed a group of 15 girls between the age of 5 and 7 in activities that build courage, confidence, and character

ANIAML EXPERIENCE SPECIALIST | NEWPORT AQUARIUM | MAY 2015-MAY 2016

One Aquarium Way, Newport KY, 41071| Supervisor: Eric Kilpatrick 859-815-1469

· Independently oversaw operations at “Shark Central Touch” Exhibit

· Monitored welfare of 15+ Sharks
· Promoted safe touching techniques
· Educated guests of conservation methods
· Independently oversaw operations at “Turtle Touch” Exhibit
· Monitored welfare of turtle
· Cleaned habitat as needed
· Safely transported turtle to and from exhibit
· Promoted safe touching techniques
· Educated guests of conservation methods
· Independently oversaw operations at “Tide Pool” Touch Exhibit
· Monitored welfare of horseshoe crabs, sea urchins, spider crabs, sea stars, whelks, and anemones.
· Promoted safe touching techniques
· Educated guests of conservation methods
· Assisted with the execution of the daily “Penguin Parade”
· Ensured penguins were safely transported to and from habitat
 · Monitored penguin safety
· Assisted with interpretation of penguin conservation
Daily assignments:
· Presented educational programs to large groups
· Interacted and educated guests one on one
· Promoted animal conservation through interactive experiences

DAY CAPTAIN VOLUNTEER | WAVE FOUNDATION | 2014-2015

One Aquarium Way, Newport KY, 41071| Supervisor: Jenny Greber 859-815-1441

· Promoted animal safety and welfare

· Oversaw and engaged 10+ teenage volunteers
· Mentored and engaged young volunteers to develop communication, leadership, and interpretive skills

SUMMER NATURALIST VOLUNTEER | WAVE FOUNDATION | 2012-2014

One Aquarium Way, Newport KY, 41071| Supervisor: Jenny Greber 859-815-1441

· Assisted in monitoring ‘touch tanks’ to ensure animal safety

Additional Required Materials: Basic Application Essay

Why do you want to be a part of SCA?

German theologian, Albert Schweitzer, once said, “The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show
compassion and the will to help others”. I believe this an extraordinary statement that I strive to live by. This
statement pushed me to pursue a position with, The Student Conservation Association, which would give me
the opportunity to continue in the betterment of others.

Starting at a young age, I was a part of a Girl Scout Troop that would serve dinner to the needy on a weekly
basis and I soon learned the joy of helping others. From there, I volunteered at my church’s soup kitchen until
I was in high school. Here, I was instrumental in creating a class designed strictly for volunteering. Through
this course, that continues today, I was able to engage many of my peers to volunteer at animal shelters,
battered women shelters, inner-city schools, and with an outreach ministry. Currently, I am a Girl Scout Troop
leader of inner-city girls- reviving a troop that has not existed in over sixty years.

Through serving with The Student Conservation Association, I hope to be able to provide service, compassion,
and empathy to others, but on a much larger scale. I would be able to interact with individuals across the
nation, and maybe those from different countries. I cannot think of a more honorable act than giving your
time for the benefit of others.

What do you hope to gain from your experience?

Through working with The Student Conservation, I hope to gain many valuable skills that will apply to my
career in the future. At this moment, I am a student at The University of Cincinnati majoring in biology,
minoring in history, and studying law. Our Country has been blessed with the most scenic lands in the World,
this is our most precious resource and I wish to be someone who can protect them through legal documents.
Each piece of these parks plays an important role in our history and cannot be replaced. As an intern, I hope
to gain even more knowledge about out National Parks and how I would be able to protect them, even if it
was through educating guests about conservation during their visit. As an intern with the National Park
system, I would work diligently to ensure the survival of our natural spaces and species.

What makes you a strong candidate?

I believe several qualities set me apart from others. When I was 8 years old, I started volunteering within my
community. This continued through my high school years, where I would always find new opportunities to
serve.

I have volunteered at nursing homes, facilities for battered women and their children, homeless shelters,
animal shelters, schools for mentally challenged children. In addition to this, I even held a volunteer position
at the Newport Aquarium while I was in high school.

Through my many different volunteer experiences, I have gained valuable skills from each one. Each new
experience I faced, I learned a new skill to help me through. To helping battered women, I learned how to
show compassion and empathy towards, something these women were never shown, to every person I meet.
Through working with mentally challenged children, I learned new ways to communicate to show respect and
admiration to those who were ignored. From volunteering at the aquarium, at 14, I learned how to be
independent, confident, and responsible for myself as I was doing the same work that adults were doing
around me in a fast-paced environment.

I never volunteered at these organizations for attention or recognition, I did it because I knew that I was
helping and changing a life that day- even if I did not do much. I know that everything I have done has made
me a better person and I wish to better myself each day.

Job Posting:
The Education Coordinator Internship supports PreK-12 education programming at the Chesapeake and Ohio
Canal National Historical Park (Park) in Cumberland, Maryland. This position serves more than 2,000 local
students each year. Programs include hands-on activities and focus on history, nature, science, technology,
math and environmental science.

Internship duties include: program scheduling, managing supplies and materials, assisting with program
delivery, helping to coordinate special events, and research. Most education interns also complete an
education-related project, some examples include: development of new education programming, content
research, summer youth programming, family programs, traveling trunks. Interns will also be expected to
learn about the Park and National Park Service, and will have ample opportunities to attend workshops,
training courses, shadow other park staff, etc. The position will be stationed in a field office and will report
daily to the site supervisor or program manager. The position will interact weekly with the Park's Education
Program Coordinator regarding projects, programs, training opportunities, etc.
Memo:
Date: 2/5/2018

To: Technical and Professional Writing

From: Sydney Mentrup

Subject: Assignment 1.3 Reflective Memo

After researching the five internships, it was easy to choose which appealed to me the
most. I choose to ‘apply’ to The Student Conservation Association . I based my decision on
the benefits that each organization offers. All the organizations I researched offered
practical experience and college credit. The Student Conservation Association goes above
and beyond this. This organization offered three things that stood out to me; free housing , a
weekly stipend, and an education scholarship.

The most challenging part of this project was creating the mock interview video . The most
dreaded question I face during interviews is , “Tell me about yourself”. I am extremely shy,
and I hate talking about myself. I usually end up spewing a jumble mess of words out as I
am trying to think of what the interviewer wants to hear . I overcame this challenge by first
listing out a draft of my accomplishments and qualifications . Once I was finished with this, I
compiled this into a paragraph where I practiced reciting this until I felt comfortable that I
did not need a script. When I reviewed this, I was surprised that I answered a question
with a coherent and clear response.

If I had to do this project again, I would change the internship research process . After
discovering The Student Conservation Association , I was intrigued at how many different
positions they had. I went through over 400 current openings. Instead of looking at five
different organizations, I would have focused on this single one . I would have selected
around 10 of the positions that interested me and then compared them with each other .
These positions all vary- with location and housing styles varying . Some offer a family style
house- others offer a shared dorm room. In addition to this, some of the positions listed on
their website are not eligible for a scholarship . Similar to the spreadsheet research I did
previously, I would do it here, but only comparing the positions.

My resume and cover letter are updated as needed- generally about twice a year . I received
a consensus that I needed to stick through the same design throughout the entire
document. I had not noticed that my fonts were different, as they looked very similar from
a glance. There was even a font size difference between headings . In addition to this, it was
suggested for me by my peers and the IA to shorten my cover letter to highlight my
accomplishments, without giving too much information. The last improvement I will add
are page numbers to the bottom of my resume . The only feedback I disagree with is leaving
out my references and shortening my resume. For government jobs and federal resumes, it
is essential to have all references included. It is suggested to have any experience on your
resume, even if it is not relevant to the job. With a government application, a usual resume
is around seven pages long. The reason for this is convenience. These jobs receive
numerous applications and if they do not have all the information , they dismiss your
application and will move on to the next.

After reading other classmates resumes, I saw one theme that stood out to me. This person
had provided paragraphs describing their previous work experience , rather than bullet
points. I am a huge fan of bullet points but realized I may be leaving out a vital piece of
information by limiting my words. For my next resume, I am going to attempt to write a
short paragraph describing my qualifications, rather than listing them out. In addition to
this, the opportunity to review my peers resume was extremely helpful . I was able to see
many different styles from real people, not just templates on the internet.

I have no questions left regarding my resume. I feel extremely confident about the job
hunting process, and hopefully, interview process. I had written resumes and cover letters
before this class, but this assignment allowed me to clean them up and have quality
documents. Furthermore, I feel comfortable researching new jobs , as I now know what is
being offered and how to apply.

At this moment, I will not be applying to this internship in real life . Currently, I am
employed by the National Park Service in a job similar to what the internship is offering .
The point of an internship is to land a full-time job and I have already achieved that . In the
future, if I ever become unsatisfied with my job, the first place I will turn to is The Student
Conservation Association.

All in all, this assignment was extremely helpful. Coming into this class, I felt as I already
had a firm grasp on professional writing. I was used to sending emails, providing answers,
and even reviewing applicant resumes. This assignment gave me the skills to improve my
existing resume and understand the correct way resumes should be written . My only
suggestion would be to add an additional reviewing process with peers . Peers would be
able to send resumes to each other and then decide if they would hire this applicant and
then give their reasoning.