Hi Class,
My name is Anna Russell and I am graduating in May! My concentrations are Biological Sciences and Education, which I arrived at thanks to my passion for children and nature. My concentration areas are an excellent indication of my identity, as I exude both the motherly attitude of an educator and the tree-hugger stereotype of a biologist. Most people assume, due to my concentration areas, that my career goals involve becoming a science teacher. Until recently, this ultimate goal was never part of my career plan. My passion for animals had led me to multiple positions in the animal training field including a summer as a dolphin trainer at SeaWorld. While a full-time position in animal training is still my favored objective, the tough state of the economy has opened my eyes to the likelihood that the already competitive field will be cut in half, forcing me to consider alternative options for the time being. This has led me to my new ambition to apply to the ASU graduate program called INCITE (Integrated Certification In Teacher Education) where I will be prepared to teach as well. I am excited to begin the application process and learn more about what it takes to be a teacher. Hopefully, the process will be positive and I will find passion and excitement for teaching in a classroom setting.
My applied study site is at the Phoenix Zoo, working with the manager of Zoo Experiences. So far, I have accomplished the composition of animal information sheets for the newest arrivals to the zoo, including the Andean Condor, the Kirk’s dik-dik, and the Gerenuk, to name a few. These initial responsibilities relate very well to my concentrations as I am preparing information to educate zoo volunteers and interns about the animals at the zoo. The volunteers will take my researched information out to the public and share the message of conservation and care for our world. The Phoenix Zoo is a not-for-profit organization devoted to educating the public about animals and getting them excited about nature. This section of BIS 401 should fit perfectly with my passions, my concentrations, and my applied study site, and I look forward to a great semester!
Hi Anna,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Wayne Jepsen. Your internship sounds like an incredible experience. I have a friend who seasonally works at the zoo, educating visitors about the stingrays that visit. He says it is great time, speaking with people of all ages, and interacting directly with the animals. I like that you are pursuing education in the time between your work in college and eventual dream of animal training. We need more teachers who can educate the finer points of being human while fully embracing the world around them. This is why I have chosen an education internship that integrates both Art History and Religious Studies. For me, religion and biology are the same thing, though biology provides far more detailed constructs of understanding that make it more useful for human intervention and conservation. I wish the best of luck to you, your internship, and proceeding teaching certificate. Though you should never let go of your dream of working with animals, the minds of today’s youth could truly benefit from your compassion.
-Wayne Jepsen
Hi Anna,
ReplyDeleteI am very excited (and a little jealous) that you have your applied study with the Phoenix Zoo! What a great opportunity! Initially, I was concentrating in Biology and Mass Communication and attempted to start the volunteer program at the Phx Zoo, but it conflicted with my schedule (unfortunately). Its also exciting to learn you had the opportunity to work and train dolphins as well!
All in all, it is awesome how BIS concentrations serve so many areas of interest and allow for us students to connect a variety of skills. Good luck and I look forward to reading your blog this semester!
Hi Anna,
ReplyDeleteYour internship at the Phoenix Zoo sounds great and being a trainer at Sea World -how cool is that? I would think that you have a variety of career options ranging from teaching to wildlife education etc.. What was it like to work with the dolphins? I once swam with dolphins and was surprised by how soft they felt! It’s funny because when I was at Sea World this summer I was thinking about how being a dolphin trainer would be a really neat job. If you have some free time you will have to e-mail me about your experience. In the meantime I am looking forward to hearing about your experience this semester at the zoo!!!
--Jessica
Hi Anna:
ReplyDeleteWOW! Lucky you! Having your internship at the Phx Zoo. I have to admit I love the place and visit often. I have always loved animals but never considered putting my interest in Edu. and animals together. Im glad you did! While being a teacher may have not always been part of the "plan" I think that you will have the positive experience you are looking for. I have made life long friends through the Edu. program at ASU. I look forward to reading your blog.
Hi Anna!
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to meet another future May graduate and future grad student! I heard about the INCITE program before and it is highly recommended. With the economy in the position it is I believe it is the right time for pursuing a higher degree. The Phoenix Zoo sounds like an interesting and fun place to have your internship. Growing up around very big dogs I am an animal lover as well. I'm really looking forward to following your blog on how your internship goes!
Hello, Anna.
ReplyDeleteI'm Christanna Rowader. You must be having an amazing experience working at the Phoenix Zoo. I have to ask, did you actually take the dolphin training job? When I had read that, it reminded me how I've always wanted to go to Sea World and swim with the dolphins. I would think that that would be such a wonderful and different experience. I love the zoo and love animals. I've always considered myself an animal person, however, I don't really train. Teaching and training are such talented skills. I could never do it, but I have such high respect for those who can. I hope everything goes well for you.