ABOUT ME!
Click to view larger image
Quick Facts:
  
Name: Christina Shamel
  
Hometown: Lebanon, Missouri
  
Family: My parents (still together), one older sister, and two older brothers (one is by marriage but he is just as special).
  
High School: Lebanon Senior High
  
LHS Activities: Cheerleading and Student Council
  
LHS Graduation Date: 1997
  
College: Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO)
  
Major: Double Major in Biology and Recreation
  
Minor: None
  
SEMO Activities: Recreation Club
  
SEMO Graduation Date: Summer 2002

More In-Depth
    
I was born into a loving christian family where it is proof you do not need a lot of money for happiness.  You do, however, need love!  My parents always encouraged us to travel and always follow our dreams.  I cannot remember a single time my family has doubted one of my dreams in life.

     After just a few trips to Florida on vacations I knew by the 8th grade that I wanted to move to the ocean and work in the marine environment.  In fall of 1997 I started attending
Southeast Missouri State University with a major declared in biology with an emphasis in marine (this was accomplished through summer classes at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs, Mississippi).

     That same fall I started volunteering at
Trail of Tears State Park and eventually started working there.  This refreshing and enjoyable job as a seasonal naturalist led me to minor in recreation.  I became addicted to the amazing adventures and incredible thought of being able to major in recreation so I decided to declare the double major.

     For my recreation internship I not only wanted a new destination for my adventure but I also wanted to incorporate my marine biology background.  Through the help of
Peter Jenkins and his wonderful book, Looking for Alaska, I received an internship with Kenai Fjord Tours, a glacier and whale watching company, in Seward, Alaska.  It was the best five months and not a day went by that I didn't think of that 8th grade girl and her dream that some viewed as non-realistic.

     I just returned to Alaska and Kenai Fjords Tours for the second summer where I was rehired as a Marine Science Explorer Program Instructor/Deckhand.  My contract is up in October and I am currently looking for my next job and location.


Other Links...
My Resume

About Seward, Alaska

SeaLife Center in Seward, Alaska

About Lebanon, Missouri

About Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Outdoor Network Job listings
Other Family and Friend Pictures
Click to view larger image
Other Gulf Coast Pictures
Click to view larger image
Various Activity Pictures
Click to view larger image
Summer 2003 Alaska Pictures
Summer 2002 Alaska Pictures
# By the Numbers #

2 -
Majors in college

5 - Years in college

7 -
Age accepted Christ

13 -
Age I knew I wanted to work in marine env.

19-
Observed species of marine mammals in the wild

16 -
Age of first job (waitress at a truck stop)

24 -
Current age

250 -
Est. # of spinner dolphins around the boat to create my perfect moment, so far

950 -
Hours volunteered at Trail of Tears State Park in one year

2000 - The year I fell in love with the Harley Dueces
E-mail me!