My name is Hollis, I’m going into grade 12 at Pitt Meadows Secondary in the fall. After graduation, I intend to pursue a career in chemistry. I came to work at the Pitt Meadows Museum because I’ve lived in Pitt Meadows for almost 15 years but I knew close to nothing about the history of this city. I came to the museum a few times and was enthralled by how interesting everything was and how well-documented every aspect of each artifact was. I saw an ad for the position and I couldn’t help myself to apply. I wanted to know more than what I could have learned by just visiting the museum.

 

My task this summer was to help complete tasks that had strict deadlines. For example, I worked heavily on crafts for Heritage Thursdays. I was given instructions and by the end of the day, everything that had been given to me was completed. This summer I was also tasked with cataloging and digitizing many paper documents such as magazines, advertisements, newsletters, and loose papers. I scanned 153 magazines this year and cataloged a lot more.

 

I worked a lot on Heritage Thursdays. Not as much as Keagan, she was the mastermind behind all the Heritage Thursdays crafts and activities, but I helped her set up a lot of the crafts. I made bases for pirate ship jars, over 40 pompoms, I used scissors regularly and I was always up to the task. On Heritage Thursdays, I was in charge of the games. After snacks, the kids would play a game of my choice, this year they especially liked Tag games. I have a lot of experience working with children, so I knew how to calm them down and what would get their attention. I loved working with them even if it tires me out for the day.

 

Working at the museum has been a wonderful experience. I’ve gotten very good at talking with strangers as when I’m on shift I’m tasked with greeting everyone that comes into the museum. Before I could barely speak up when talking to a cashier but now I’m confident and open to talking to anyone. Working at the museum has helped me immensely and I would work here again if given the chance next summer.