Today was the first day of the week # 2 JASON Argonaut trip 2015, and let me tell you . . . . it was amazing! I could tell that everybody was nervous. I mean, it’s not easy connecting with people you have never even seen before. But like everything life throws at us, we always need to find the best solutions. We started with trying to learn everybody's name which is a lot harder than it sounds. Next, we went to the amazing Aquarium in Atlanta. Then almost immediately after that we took a backstage tour of CNN’s world headquarters. I’m impressed with how action packed and exciting my first day as a JASON Argonaut has been. I have made a lot of nice friends and had life-changing experiences. I loved getting to hangout and play an exciting game of wiffle ball with people from all over.
- Wyatt, Student Argonaut
Today, we went on tour to both the Georgia Aquarium and CNN. We were given the opportunity to see behind-the-scenes. The first place that we visited was the Georgia Aquarium. Our tour guide, Ken Zirkman, was very energetic and enthusiastic, which made the tour more memorable. As Mauricio said, “The positive energy of the tour guide made it seem like he enjoyed his job and made the tour more memorable.” I would have to agree with him. Having someone who is dedicated to their position and enjoys what he does makes a huge impact on the tour. This gives it more of an authentic feel. Ken gave us a tour of how the coral reefs are made in the aquarium and he walked us through the mechanics on how the systems work. It gave me a better understanding on how an aquarium at that caliber is run and how much effort is put into taking care of the animals. The next place that we visited was CNN. We were given a tour by Lori Daniel, who is full of energy and spunk. The tour she gave us let us see how much work goes into delivering the news and trying to be as accurate as possible. It really put into perspective how demanding a job working with media relations can be, just by seeing all the monitors and how in-depth they must go to deliver the best news possible. After today, I am even more excited to see what the rest of the week has to offer. I am very glad that I was given this opportunity to become a JASON Teacher Argonaut.
- Elias, Teacher Argonaut
As my fellow Argonauts have stated, today was an adventure. We started early at the Aquarium with a “salt fix” as Ken Zirkman put it. He is a volunteer guide/full time lawyer who did a great job explaining and answering our bombarding questions. Here are just a few favorite examples:
Q: How deep is the Ocean Voyager tank? (largest tank at the aquarium)
A: 30 feet
Q: How do you get the fish smell off your clothes after working in the “fish cafeteria”?
A: You use vinegar.
Q: How did they get those huge whale sharks into the Aquarium?
A: They flew them in from Taiwan on a UPS plane which had to keep the surface of the water level as the plane ascended and descended.
Ken took us up and down, inside and out, teaching us the ins and outs of the Aquarium. Another Argonaut, Ramona commented: The aquarium “was an amazing conglomeration of talent where everyone has a contribution.” That was the word for it . . . . “amazing”.
Perhaps the highlight for me was the behind-the-scenes tour of CNN with Lori Daniel, a long time CNN producer since 1987. She took us through a winding path of doors to visit reporters and producers. We even got to meet one of the anchors, Ms. Freddy Whitfield, who was about to go on air. She didn’t seem to mind our interruption though. She let us take pictures of her and we talked for a while. Lori gave all 14 Argonauts CNN t-shirts and hats!
- Rexana, Teacher Argonaut