Yesterday was the most chaotic day at the VC while I’ve been interning here. Chaotic days are definitely more fun than a non-chaotic day. Here’s how it goes. First off, no coffee. This is nearly always a good start to a chaotic day. Coffee is definitely a must each morning and as it was the weekend there was no coffee in the dining area yesterday. This is something I expect on the weekends but the rest of the day was very very unique. Both my supervisors, Becca and McKenzie, were absent yesterday. It’s the first time both of them have been gone at the same time and this is problematic because they are the first line of defense when something goes awry. So when things went bad, as they did, there weren’t really many people to go to.
In the morning Athena was heading up an invertebrates class for high school students and she was the only one around so she was stressed out. Athena out. Just a few minutes later another huge unannounced group of university students came in to have a vet lecture with Dr. Tim and Kristen. Dr. Tim and Kristen out. Next another unannounced group of vice presidents and administors from China came expecting a tour from Shawn Rowe. “Okay lets get Shawne.” No Shawn for 15 but he eventually showed. Phew hopefully nothing else too crazy happens. Nope next there’s a leaky shrimp tank that is spilling water all over the floor. Becca and McKenzie are gone, Kristen is in a class, so we got Tim to help us mop up. Next the last unannounced group shows up. This was a group of OSU students taking a Physical Oceanography course. Apparently they were expecting a tour of the facilities but nobody had any idea what they were talking about. So I ended up canceling the estuary tour at 11 and brought the group all over Hatfield and talked about research, student involvement, and then the estuary.
To make things more chaotic the only certified octopus feeder at Hatfield yesterday was Athena and she was doing her inverts class. The show must go on so she came out and rocked the octopus feeding. Our only volunteer in the morning disappeared for awhile and then two guys with firearms on their sides came in to end the day. Kind of stressful but definitely kept me on my toes. The day went by more quickly than any other of the summer.
Eventually you become the expert, Brian. And this day was a case-in-point. Way to go.
Awesome job stepping up to the plate Brian! Sounds like a wild day but also a gratifying one. (Glad to know McKenzie and I are missed when we’re gone). :)
I really appreciate your ability to respond to unexpected occurances and get the job done, and I’m certain the VC folks are grateful, too. And I agree – busy is much better than boring! Glad the job is keeping you on your toes.