Zoo InternQuest is a seven-week career exploration program for San Diego County high school juniors and seniors. Students have the unique oppurtunity 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 experiences online. Follow their adventures here!
Bonjour! My name is Madison, and I am happy to be part of the InternQuest program. I’ve been in love with animals for as long as I remember. I even did a report in sixth grade acting as if I was an animal trainer for Sea World. I also take great interest in science and reading. Most days you can find me reading or tutoring other students in chemistry.
I truly hope to pursue a career in zoology. I believe the amazing experiences I will encounter, coupled with my work at the Living Coast Discovery Center (previously the Chula Vista Nature Center), will help reassure me of that path. I have already had the gratification of feeding wonderful sea life and cleaning tons of tanks. As much fun as that is, I cannot wait for the chance to see what it is like to actually study and learn about other animals.
Outside my volunteer projects, I am an avid member of my high school marching band. I play the saxophone, as well as oboe in concert season. Aside from just playing music, I manage the band’s uniforms and help the other band officers lead. The band has opened me up to new experiences and definitely pushed me to be less withdrawn among others; skills I hope to use to my advantage. Well I cannot wait to start my adventure at the zoo and I cannot wait to share it with you all!
Madison
Fall 2012
Hi Madison
What a great experience for you there! Conservation has been at the top of my list both as taught me by my father and when I discovered Gerald Durrell when I was young way back in the dark ages. Many people see Gerald Durrell as one of the first modern conservationists and his book “My Family and Other Animals” is one of my favorite books to this day. He started one of the first breeding zoos in the world on one of the Channel Islands. If you can look him up and/or get some of his books you may discover how all this got started and in the most enjoyable way. He was a gifted and very funny writer. Meanwhile the best of luck to you and your fellow interns!
Hi Marion,
Thank you so much for your support of our program. We just finished our first week, and it was amazing! I haven’t heard of Gerald Durell before, but I will definitely check him out. If you ever have any questions about our blogs, please let us know, we’re happy to answer. Thank you for your support, and don’t forget to keep following me and the other interns as well!
-Madison
Hey Madison,
I’m also a part of the Zoo InternQuest program. However, I don’t start until the Winter Session. I specifically chose the winter session because I’m also in Marching Band and didn’t want any conflicts with regular season. So bravo! I applaud you for managing to juggle Band, schoolwork, friends, AND this internship, and wish you good luck!
Hi Carly,
I’m not gonna lie, its pretty tough; I mean InternQuest and rehearsal are all the same day and time so I have to learn drill on my own. But this program is so amazing! I’m so happy I was accepted. I hope your session goes really well for you, the programs a little tougher than it looks. What do you play?
-Madison