Crystal feeds Mongo the camel.
Zoo InternQuest is a seven-week career exploration program for San Diego County high school juniors and seniors. Students have a unique opportunity to meet professionals working for the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, and Institute for Conservation Research, learn about their jobs, and then blog about their experience online. Follow their adventures here!
What exactly is an educator? No, they do not just do the tours around the Zoo on the double-decked buses. There is so much more to it than what you see. Ms. Kim Carroll is an educator at the San Diego Zoo, and her days consist of more than just bus tours. She works with a diverse range of education programs such as the Kaiser Hospital program and “Growing Up Green,” writes education curriculum, and facilitates behind-the-scenes adventures for people of all ages.
Ms.Carroll has bachelor of science degree in zoology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. After graduating, she was an interpreter for a local zoo and museum, a science instructor, and school teacher. She even worked under Jean-Michel Cousteau in marine biology for three years, living in the Cayman Islands and on Catalina.
Ms. Carroll has worked at the San Diego Zoo for four years, leading tours for adults and children, and doing outreach programs for kids in preschool through high school, twilight tours, and animal presentations, just to name a few activities.
With a job like this, there really is no typical day at the Zoo. Always doing something different is what keeps her days busy and interesting. Being an educator requires a high level of energy and flexibility in case something changes at the last minute. It can be hard to remain energetic after a long day, but she still keeps it going strong for all the tours or events happening throughout the day.
At the end of the day, it’s not about a paycheck; it’s about the purpose. Her love for animals and the desire to educate people about how we affect wildlife worldwide (and how you can help in your own community) keeps her passion alive. One day of work helps change so many peoples’ perspectives on these animals, and it can stay with them for a lifetime.
Crystal, Careers Team
Week One, Winter Session 2012
