The WaterFront Center: Meet the Summer Instructors Part V

Andrew and Kristen

Andrew Dejesu, who is new to the WFC staff this summer, is a well-traveled musician who is excited to have the opportunity to work with kids while spending time out on the bay. A travel marketing major at SUNY Cobleskill, the 20 year-old not only plays 6 instruments, but also DJ’s in his spare time: “Music is a big part of my life,” he says, and adds, “I also write music...I taught myself.” Andrew is from Bayville, just a short drive away from the Waterfront Center, and became more aware of the organization’s mission with the help of his family: “When the Nantucket was here, my brother and dad were volunteers on the restoration crew, and I came and helped out.” Now, Andrew is back to help kids learn more about the bay that he has grown up around, and says that he most enjoys having the chance to make an impact on their lives. When asked why he thinks it’s important to teach kids about the environment, he says without hesitation that, “they grow up with a better understanding of the world they live in, and how one thing they do today can affect what happens tomorrow.” Andrew brings with him ample experience with kids, having worked as a counselor at the YMCA for 3 years, and a passion for learning about new places: “I love to travel,” he says, and rattles off a long list of places he has been, including Alaska and the Panama Canal. With such an adventurous attitude and love of working with children, Andrew is sure to show all of his campers a great time this summer!

Fun Facts

Desired Superhero Power: The ability to breathe underwater

Favorite Flavor Ice-Cream: Chocolate

One Person From History He’d Like To Meet: John Lennon

Favorite Genre of Music: Anything from the 80’s

Aspiration: A career in advertising, in the travel industry

Kristen Marzocca, who hails from East Islip, has a true passion for teaching others about the environment: the 23 year-old is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Environmental Education from NYU. Though it is her first summer teaching at the WFC, Kristen says she is looking forward to sharing her enthusiasm for the marine environment, and, of course, “sailing on the Christeen!” For Kristen, protection of the oceans is something that she has always found important: “I’ve always been concerned with the environment, and I went down the science path for a while but I realized that I wanted to take science and translate for the average person, so that it could be used for good,” she says, proving that she will be an enthusiastic leader on the WFC’s Naturalist staff this summer. Working with kids is one aspect of the job that she says she will enjoy, since she loves seeing things from their perspective, and says that, “They sometimes point things out to you that you don’t realize.” We are excited to have Kristen on board this summer, and know that she will bring an unparalleled love of marine science and education to the WFC each day!