Student's Digital Stories "On Becoming an Ichthyologist". by Don Orth

In teaching Ichthyology, I ask my students to tell their story using digital video techniques.   This started four years ago and you can read about it at Inside the Head of a Fish Head.    Asking students to tell their story tells them I care about them, their hopes, dreams, and struggles.  One of my students  once wrote: “Imagine a world where everyone treated those around them - and all around the world for that matter - equally and with respect rather than being judgmental.“ I can’t afford to kill this dream. 

“dream as if you’ll live forever, live as if you’ll die today.”  James Dean

 We can all learn to communicate our message with storytelling.  I share these stories from 2019 with permission of the students.  It's important that we learn to tell stories and not wait until the story is completed.  As I profess to my students, "Life is a Comprehensive Exam" and we have to learn as we go.   From Peter Brown, I've learned to create desirable difficulties in and out of the classroom.   The digital storytelling is the student's creation that reflects their lessons learned. 

Students in Ichthyology pose with the Mahi Mahi Coryphaena hippurus specimen.

Brittany Bailey was raised fishing but it was always a hobby until she took Ichthyology.

A desirable difficulty is a bucket filled with unknown minnow species. 

 Andrew Bartee tells about his encounter with a fisherman in a village near a coral reef in Belize. 

Andrew Bartee is excited over the small Rainbow Darter Etheostoma caeruleum specimen. 

Aaron Betancourt tells about his early love of fish and the fading of a passion as engineering and robotics took up his available time. 

Jack Boyer has been surrounded by water throughout his life.   His fascination with fishing with his father developed a passion.  Today is explores new types of fishing and fish he learned in Ichthyology.

This male Central Stoneroller Campostoma anomalum shows turbercles, which are secondary sexual characteristics.

Richie Garay asked his Dad "take me fishing."  Now Richie wants to go fishing -- all the time.   

Male Bluehead Chub Nocomis leptocephalus guards gravel nest mound.  Photo by Frimpong lab.

Emma Hultin  grew up in Virginia Beach dreaming of becoming a marine biologist.  After doing her undergraduate research on the Bluehead Chub Nocomis leptocephalus and taking Ichthyology, she is on her way to graduate school to study freshwater fishes.

Hanna Moreland learned much from Ichthyology, beyond how to electrofish and seine.  She knows the small details needed to tell the difference between a Notropis telescopis and a Notropis hudsonius.  Her curiosity is stronger than ever.

Rainbow Darter Etheostoma caeruleum captured Toms Creek, May 1, 2019.

Ben Olenick learns a trick about how to outsmart the fish.  "Is this even possible?"   First fish of the day and a guide's knowledge inspires Ben to learn more about the Florida Pompano.   Seven years later he enrolled in Ichthyology at Virginia Tech. 

Christian Park tells of his first encounter with a fish  -- "the moment prompted my love for fish, fishing, and the outdoors." His first research experience was with the Coastal Marine Education and Research Academy in Clearwater, Florida.  

 Clare Posey    was an Ocean and Surf Rescue Lifeguard for the resort areas of Virginia Beach when she learns of beach closures due to unhealthy bacteria levels. She reflects on the health of seafood imported from other countries.    

Ichthyology students doing the class shuffle on their way to downstream seine.

Jordan Wheatley is a first-generation student who began her time at Virginia Tech as undecided student.   What to study?  Interior Design or Marine Fish Conservation?   Reflections on exploring shorelines, creeks, boating, softball, and other outdoor activities led Marine Fish Conservation to choose her. 

Madeline, Jordan, and Christian view the unknown specimens in aerated aquarium. 

Pat Wicklein has a new appreciation for fish, beyond their value as game fish. He even appreciates small details of fish such as the number of anal fin rays and tail shape that I had previously overlooked before taking Ichthyology.

Joe Wood reflects on his passion for fishing and opportunities it contributed to his life.  "Fishing is a sport of patience.  It cannot be taught, only learned."

Madeline Wood  transitioned from Animal and Poultry Science and eventual Vet School to Marine Fish Conservation. 

Thanks to students who permitted me to share the stories, hopes, and aspirations publicly. Narratives increase recall, comprehension and interest. It is through storytelling that we make and store meaning. There are more digital stories that are publicly available.  Just go to YouTube. Search for "Becoming an Ichthyologist."  Among the seven aspirations for student learning at Virginia Tech, is Pursue Self-Understanding and Personal Integrity.    You are important and you matter!  Your voice matters! Your feelings matter! Your life matters! Your story matters!

“really great people make you feel that you, too, can become great.”  Mark Twain