Jeremy Mejia
Ms. Albert
Waterworld NYC
30 September 2020
Ms. Maddison blurted out, “Quiet down back there, we will be arriving in less than 2 minutes.”
Slight murmurs continued as the yellow-cheese bus parallel parked and opened it’s doors. I turned my head from my window seat and was greeted by a large brown sign that read Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.
“Alrighty, everyone, single-file and make sure you take everything with you… don’t leave anything on the bus,” Ms. Maddison said.
Judy turned to me excitedly, “Wow! Jack do you smell that? It is just like the beach.”
“Well, aren’t you enthusiastic today… there is nothing special about this dump of a park,” I replied.
Just then Thomas, Ben, and Carlson tapped our window, signaling us to hurry up. We grabbed our bags and quickly hopped off the bus. Ms. Maddison made sure everyone quickly gathered in the welcome center.
“While I try and get a hold of our tour guide, who is running late, everyone sit tight and make sure to take some notes in your journals,” she said.
“Yo, Carlson can I get your notes when you’re done?” Thomas asked.
“Yeah, sure thing man. Anything else…my lunch perhaps? Carlson replied. “Jack… Judy do you want them too.”
“We’re good thanks. We can do it ourselves” Judy and I agreed.
Information was spread all over. There were pamphlets, graphics, and even a small 3D diagram in the center of the room. I broke off from the others and peered through the window next to the door leading through to the refuge. I drew a picture of the view in my journal: green grass, a sandy beach, a small birds nest, and all with one majestic background—New York City. Just then Ms. Maddison came back with her tour guide friend.
“Attention everyone, this is my good friend Trista, who was gracious enough to give us a tour of the park today” Ms. Maddison said.
“Glad to do it. Is everyone ready!” Trista asked excitedly.
The whole class nodded in sync as we were led into the park. Trista led us to a small open space where we could see different vegetation and was nearby the shore. She started explaining the different species present and areas within the parks. I was taking pretty extensive notes when someone blurted out—
“Hey, I heard you work with turtles, so are we going to see them?”
“Sadly the turtles are off limits right now,” Trista answers meekly.
How could they… I was forced to come here and all for what no turtles. I stared blankly at the floor.
“Are you good… Jack… Jack,” Judy said looking at me.
I glanced up and nodded. She had wanted to show me her drawing of the bird nest I had seen through the window earlier.
“It’s good… really captures the dirt” I told her.
“Awe you’re just saying that,” she replied. “Why are you so down though, what’s wrong with the park?”
“I don’t know it’s just lame” I told her. “I don’t really like the outside much.”
She seemed unsatisfied and rather disappointed with my answer. She rose from her seat and grabbed my hand pulling me with her. We were allowed to explore so Judy called Ben over and led us both to the shoreline of the water shed.
“Take a look guys what do you see?” Judy asked.
“I mean I see sand, water, a couple rocks” Ben replied. “Oh I almost forgot the sticks.”
Judy glared annoyed. She pointed at the city that seemed so far away.
“Can’t you see how different it is from here.” she said. “It’s like we’re on a different planet.”
“I mean sure.” I said. “What’s your point”
“Jack, we need more places like this.” She said proudly. “Its so fresh here, none of that polluted air.”
Ben and I looked at each other and smiled. She’s right. I had to admit, this was a nice change of pace from the concrete jungle I was used to.
“People need to recognize how special this place is otherwise we may lose it,” she said. “Didn’t you hear Trista, the park was damaged during Sandy. How will they get funding if people think this is just some park.”
‘I feel it,” I said captivated by the view of the great city in the background. It is pretty nice.