Linda Meija

Redondo Beach, CA

What has been your favorite class at COA? Why?

That's a really hard question to answer. I've enjoyed them all, but some of the highlights include Marine Biology, Graphic Design, Curiosity and Wonder, and Ecology Natural History. They all were fun, interesting and kept me busy learning new skills

What classes have you taken at COA?

Marine Biology

Ecology Natural History

Human Ecology Core Course

Ecology of the Winter Coastline

Biology 1 & 2

Ecology

Graphic Design 1 & 2

Curiosity and Wonder (Museum Interpretation)

Curriculum Development and Assessment

Early Childhood Education and Development

Representing Nature, Envisioning Science

Biology of Fishes

Invertebrate Zoology

Parasite Tutorial

Chemistry

Creative Writing

Literature, Science and Spirituality

The Fairy Tale Class

Children's Literature Poetry and the American Environment

What was your favorite lesson/lecture/discussion/project at COA? Why?

Another tough one - there's so many to choose from! I think that one of my favorite projects was creating museum exhibits for a couple of different classes. It was fun and realistic.

What is your dream occupation?

Education Director at a small museum or aquarium.

Do you work on or off campus? If yes, where?

I worked on-campus at The Dorr Museum and off-campus at the Whale Watch during the summer.

What do you see yourself doing after COA?

Hopefully going to grad school for environmental education in a year or two. Until then, I'm not sure.

What country or state would you like to visit? Where would you love to live?

I would love to visit Italy! Just to see what it's like, I think it would be very beautiful and romantic! I would like to continue living in New England, particularly Maine.

What is happiness to you?

Happiness is doing what you love and sharing it with the people around you.

Have you had an internship? If so, doing what? Where? If not, what are your plans, if any, for your internship?

My official COA internship was working as an education intern at a large aquarium, The Aquarium of the Pacific, in Long Beach, CA.

What are your ideas for your senior project? If you have already done one, what did you do?

My senior project was creating a science kit about whales, adaptations, and evolution for elementary schools.

What do you like to do when you're not doing school work?

Hang out with friends, play with my dog or watch movies. If it's a nice day, then being outside with friends and/or my dog.

What is/are your favorite animal(s)?

My favorite invertebrates: sea stars and anemones. My favorite bird: black guillamont. My favorite mammal: puppies!

What came first, the chicken or the egg?

Ah, the chicken or the egg! The human ecologist in me would like to think that people will choose sides, but it's not important whose right, what's important is that people are talking to each other! But personally...

What is the motto you like to live by?

Whatever you are, be a good one. Happiness is like peeing in your pants. Everyone sees it, but no one feels the warmth like you do.

Why did you choose to come to COA?

I loved the idea of a small school. And I also was really attracted to creating my own curriculum of classes.

What do you like to study?

Marine sciences, natural history and education.

Who is your hero today?

People who fight to survive.

What talent do you wish you had?

I wish I could play the piano. Or any instrument, really. I also wish I could sing...