Inspiration at the Zoo by Kennedy

Inspiration at the Zoo by Kennedy - January 2025 Scholarship Essay

I was lucky enough to be accepted into phase one of the Dallas “Zoo Crew” volunteer program in the summer of 2024 under the direction of Mrs. Amanda Stephens-Roberts. The summer program was online, in-person, and we had various assignments and projects to complete through Google Classroom.
The Dallas Zoo leads the way in conservation programs around the nation and Amanda taught me about the partnerships with many different national organizations that help support saving animals and their ecosystems from extinction. My favorite assignment for Amanda during the internship allowed me to design a habitat for the zoo’s newest tenant, the maned wolf. This type of project made me realize all of the different aspects that went into making one animal’s environment the most natural way possible. I was able to research specifics like safe vegetation to install, a private sleeping environment made from natural rocks and boulders, as well as playful enrichment items such as treat balls for his new habitat. I was inspired by Amanda’s assignment and began to realize that I have other animal passions that I may be able to put to service instead of becoming a small animal veterinarian, and most importantly, I was now ready to explore them.
The Dallas Zoo prides itself on educating the public about animals. Amanda demonstrated how these educational interpretive talks should be. I was then asked to research an animal and lead one of these talks to my class as well as zoo guests. These educational talks required large amounts of research and confidence to make sure I was telling zoo visitors correct information. Learning about so many different animals from the other interpretive talks inspired me even more to continue my path to working with animals in my future.
I have always wanted to be a veterinarian since I was five years old. After completion of phase one of the Zoo Crew with Amanda Stephens-Roberts, I realized how many other animal careers I may be missing out on. She has inspired a career path change in college for me. Instead of getting my pre-vet degree in animal science at Tarleton State University as originally planned, I now will be enrolling in their pre-veterinary studies program through their Zoo Animal Care and Management route. This type of pre-vet degree will allow me to seek a career in a zoo or aquarium if I choose not to enter vet school after all.
I was excited to find out that I was selected to participate in phase two of the Zoo Crew and I will now get to assist zoologists with their behind-the-scenes duties. Phase one was such an eye opener as to what my future could possibly hold besides being a vet. Amanda has inspired me to broaden my horizons, and I can’t wait to see where this next animal adventure leads me. Who knows? Maybe I will be working alongside Amanda one day back at the Dallas Zoo!