Arseniy Avery © FMNH
“I have been fascinated with science and history since I was a little boy in Russia. I have enjoyed them as school subjects. I love watching educational TV programs and reading magazines such as “Popular Science.” The best treat for me was being accepted for the FUN program at Fernbank Museum of Natural History and joining the great team of dedicated FUN volunteers. At the Museum I have had the opportunity to touch, hear, see and decode science and history by not only learning about them but by teaching others. I see actual fossils embedded in the Museum’s floor, touch arrowheads that were made by the early inhabitants of Georgia and have had the pleasure of introducing children and adults to the life like model of Argentinosaurus. It has been an unforgettable experience!”
“When I first came to the Museum and saw the giant dinosaur which almost touched the ceiling, and explored optical illusions at the Sensing Nature exhibit, I felt like a small part of the universe. Now, I feel like I am a logical and active part of humanity. I respect and am proud of the understanding history and geology. In addition, I feel more confident. Each time I come to volunteer, I help people – explain, show, explore natural history with them and have fun at the same time. Additionally, I have made a lot of great friends and we work together as a team. The FUN program also includes special adventures, such as sleepovers in the Museum when you never know what can happen, or exploring the mystic forest behind the Museum, which involves taking out invasive plants and learning about crop plants that are native to Georgia. The FUN program is truly endless fun and interesting discoveries, meeting people and sharing your knowledge and passion with them. I am glad that I am a part of this special program and I strongly recommend it to others, who are looking for learning, gaining confidence, sharing their experience and making a real difference.”
—Arseniy Avery, age 14 and FUN volunteer since July 2007