Zoo InternQuest, Author at San Diego Zoo… – Page 27 of 32 – San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Stories

Zoo InternQuest is a seven-week career exploration program for San Diego County high school juniors and seniors. Students have the 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 adventure here on the Zoo’s website! Hello everybody! My name is Emma and I have recently started my senior year in high school. I cannot wait for all the opportunities that lie ahead of me this school year, especially the opportunity to take part in the San Diego Zoo’s InternQuest. From the moment I adopted my first cat I knew there was a special bond to be made between humans and animals that transcended our fundamental differences. It fascinated me that I could create a relationship, and even, an unspoken understanding between us. Needless to say, I was hooked. We got a second cat, and then we got a Basset hound/Lab mix named Bebe. Thanks mom and dad! As I grew older, my love and adoration grew for animals, and I developed a deeper interest of how animals and people can coexist with one another. As a result, every summer I would enroll in animal-related camps such as San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Humane Society camp. More specifically, the Humane Society’s camp reinforced my love of domesticated animals and brought to my attention the countless pets that are abandoned and neglected on a daily basis. On the other hand, the San Diego Zoo’s camp opened a new door for me in regards to my love for animals by awakening my interest in the complex world of wildlife. I took this passion for animals into my teen years and completed my Girl Scout Silver Award project at the wildlife sanctuary: Lions, Tigers and Bears. For my project, I organized a program to encourage younger girl scout troops to visit the center, and through presentations and tours, taught them about endangered species and ways in which they could help. The goal of the whole project was to foster a love and respect for wild animals, and a sense of awareness of the impacts of their day to day actions. When I am not volunteering, I play the violin, run and watch films. I have been playing the violin for over eight years, and although, I am not a star player, I love the challenge that each new piece brings. On the other end of the spectrum, I ran track in my Sophomore year of high school as a personal challenge for myself. Through tough workouts, I was able to decrease my mile time by 3 minutes, which made me realize the value of hard work. I am not artistically talented, but I appreciate art especially the art of cinema. I love spending my free time watching great films and diving into other imaginary worlds for a short period of time. I am so grateful to spend part of my senior year participating in the San Diego Zoo’s InternQuest. As I am undecided about a specific career choice, but know my passion lies with animals, I am looking forward to having the ability to talk to professionals that work at the Zoo. Additionally, I am excited to learn more about their jobs as well as their contributions to the scientific community and the well-being of animals. Emma Fall Session, 2016