A Student Driven by Passion and Purpose
We’re continually inspired by students like Aysia—young leaders who manage packed schedules filled with advanced coursework, extracurriculars, and community involvement.
As part of the 2024–2025 school year, Aysia enrolled in a mentorship class that required 140 hours of experience with a career mentor. She chose to spend that time at the Virginia Living Museum under the guidance of Conservation Manager Deanna Orr, combining her love of birds with her commitment to conservation and education.
Hands-On Learning Through Project FeederWatch
Aysia’s mentorship with Deanna Orr, Conservation Manager, included conducting Project FeederWatch observation shifts, sharing with Virginia Living Museum guests about Project FeederWatch, and developing hands-on activities to educate visitors about native bird conservation
Project FeederWatch, run by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, is a long-term community science program where volunteers across North America monitor feeder birds from November through April. This data helps researchers track bird migration and overwintering patterns.
An Educational Event That Took Flight
Aysia’s mentorship culminated in the creation of a World Migratory Bird Day event – an educational day at the museum where visitors could learn about birds and what they can do to help birds on their migratory journeys.
She developed eight educational stations for visitors of all ages, coordinated logistics with multiple departments, and worked the event to ensure everything ran smoothly. The result? Over 680 guests engaged with her activities and walked away with new knowledge about how to support migrating bird populations.
From Hawai’i to Virginia: A Personal Connection to Birds
According to Aysia, “I wanted to do Project FeederWatch mentorship because I heard about the project in Hawai’i (where at the time they did not have it running to my knowledge) and I was excited to participate in the project here in Virginia… I just have a general admiration towards birds, plus I already birdwatched in my own time.”
She even painted a beautiful portrait of the Project FeederWatch observation site—a piece that now holds a special place in our museum family.
Beyond the Hour Requirement: A Deeper Dedication
Although the mentorship class required 140 hours, Aysia poured in nearly 175 hours of her time—refining activities, contributing to research, and supporting conservation education.
Her work didn’t end when the project did. She presented her experience at a symposium for peers, parents, and educators, and she plans to return this November to participate in Project FeederWatch once again.
Her hands-on activities will continue to be used by other Museum volunteers and the Education Department—ensuring her impact carries forward.
Looking Ahead: A Future in Conservation
Aysia plans to pursue a degree in environmental or conservation science—and perhaps continue on to law school with a focus on environmental law.
“This mentorship helped me develop my critical thinking skills,” she said. “It made me more thoughtful about how others perceive my work, which has made it easier to communicate my ideas.”
When asked about her favorite birds, Aysia shared:
“My favorite bird is the Golden Pacific Plover, because they fly back and forth from Hawai’i to Alaska each winter and they look so awkward to me. But a close second is the Hermit Thrush, because the one at the Museum during Project FeederWatch was also very awkward and fun to watch.”
Get Involved: Become a Volunteer at the Virginia Living Museum
Aysia’s story is a shining example of how young people can make a meaningful impact through environmental education, research, and service.
Whether you’re a teen like Aysia looking for mentorship opportunities, a seasoned birdwatcher, or someone simply passionate about connecting others to nature, there’s a place for you here.
Visit our Volunteer Opportunities page to learn how you can get involved, give back, and be part of the Museum’s mission to inspire conservation of our natural world.
Written by Olivia Lacher, Education Volunteer Manager and Deanna Orr, Conservation and Ambassador Animal Manager.
