Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose - Week 1

My first week at the Children's Discovery Museum has been a new learning experience. I started the week with an info interview with a volunteer supervisor, in which I was able to know more about the role of volunteers at the museum. On my first day of the week, I was assigned to work on a project, the volunteer manual. This project is meant to rearrange the current volunteer manual so that it makes volunteer orientations more efficient, as well as presenting the content in a more digestible way. 

 

Later in the week, I got to know more about the Museum as I was reading the mission statement, which promotes creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning. After reading the mission statement, I went down to the museum floor to make some observations that connected to the mission statement. This was an activity that I really enjoyed because it allowed me to dissect the museum's exhibits in a more meaningful way, it allowed me to see beyond what might seem like a simple exhibit or a useless activity. For instance, there is a section in the museum called Bill's Backyard. This section of the museum is a combination of nature, from a garden to a playground area that models a oak trees. When I first came into contact with this area, I wondered what its purpose was; It was not very clear in my mind yet. However, once I learned more about the museum and the mission, I was able to understand the importance of having an open space in a children's museum. I noticed that Bill's Backyard is more than just a garden or a playground. Bill's Backyard provides a space fro children to become familiar with the outdoors from an early age; additionally, it introduces kids to different concepts, like math, teamwork, and design through activities that children enjoy doing. 

Additionally, I had an ifo interview with a Sales and Business Manager. This interview gave me a better insight about how business could be integrated in a non profit organization, which to me was very interesting to hear more about. It even got me thinking about how I could apply some of the things the museum does as I keep on developing my business plan. 

Towards the end of my week, I had another info interview with the Executive Director of the museum. I really enjoyed having this interview because it is always great talking to someone who you can connect to, whether it is emotionally or intellectually, and in this case I felt an intellectual connection. After, I finished the interview I felt inspired as I am sometimes judged because of the way I think about business related things and leadership, so it was really nice to talk to someone who had the similar ideas and values when it comes to the being a leader.

My first week at the museum has definitely been great, and I am learning a lot of new things that I can apply to my own interests. I am looking forward to next week to experience more things and gain more knowledge.