I had two mentors. In black are the responses from Lauren Etzkorn. In gray are the responses from Ginger Earley.
Why did you decide that this is what you wanted to do and what made you decide that this was the place for you?
-I grew up going to the Columbus Zoo and have always loved animals. After working as a seasonal in the Animal Programs department between undergrad and graduate school, I changed my academic focus. The experience I got that summer engaging with the public and working closely with the animals really shaped my path.
-I was very lucky to have a friend in the Human Resources Department at the Zoo. When I graduated she contacted me to let me know about a job. I was a seasonal for a year and then was hired full-time in 1996. I have been here for 22 years. The Zoo is a great place to work because it seems like each day is different; there is always something new to do or learn. I have been here for 22 years.
What dreams or goals inspired you?
-I've always loved great apes, particularly gorillas, and in high school got involved with Root's and Shoots as well as the Columbus Zoo's Partners in Conservation (field project in Rwanda helping people AND animals). I was excited about how both of those organizations were really making a positive difference in the lives of the people who live near chimps and gorillas and in turn, the positive impact that had on the habitats and lives of those animals. I knew then that I'd like to do something to help people help animals but at that time didn't know exactly what that would look like.
Where did you go to college, what is your degree in, how many years did it take to graduate, and are you still in school?
-I went to the University of Dayton and double majored in human rights and political science (graduated in 2010 after four years) I went to Columbia University in NY for graduate school and studied human rights and sustainable development (with respect to the environment) (graduated in 2012 after two years)
-I graduated from Otterbein College with a BA in English Literature. I graduated in four years.
Is this where you thought you would be or where you wanted to be ten years ago?
-Ten years ago I had no idea I would be working directly with animals! I did think I would work in non-profit but didn't have a clear picture of what exactly I'd be doing.
-Once I started at the Zoo, I knew this is where I wanted to be. The Zoo is much bigger now than when I started but it still feels like a family. Most days I don’t feel like I am going to a job; it is a great place to be.
What is one of your favorite parts of your job?
-Lots of things to chose from!:
-fundraising for important conservation projects
-advocating on behalf of endangered species--and reaching people to influence behavior change (especially kids)!
-providing careful husbandry and enrichment to the animals and watching them work through problems and engage in training!
-The people – I love the people I interact with each day
What are you most proud of?
-The conservation messaging in our public encounters and the funds we have raised to support the Turtle Survival Alliance, Cheetah Conservation Fund, and The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB).
-The positive reinforcement training that we've done to improve the animals' quality of life in terms of husbandry and healthcare-related behaviors and enrichment!
What do you wish someone told you when you were my age?
-That no amount of planning, schooling, and preparation will guarantee that you even like the "job" when you get there. SO, it's important to be flexible and forgiving with yourself (and be brave about trying new things)!
-Time goes very quickly as you get older so enjoy life while you can. Also, do something that makes you happy.
What used to be your greatest weakness?
-Self doubt and concern for how others perceive me; I've had to train myself that it's a good thing to be decisive and assertive.
-Trying to make everyone happy. I realized that is an impossible task.
Is this something in your life you wish you could do over or change?
-No; mistakes and the wrong jobs just help you figure out where you really need to be and what makes you happy.
-I had an amazing time in college but I wish I would have taken my studies more seriously.
What has been your most rewarding accomplishment?
-The conservation messaging in our public encounters and the funds we have raised to support the Turtle Survival Alliance, Cheetah Conservation Fund, and The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB).
-The positive reinforcement training that we've done to improve the animals' quality of life in terms of husbandry and healthcare-related behaviors and enrichment!
-Seeing ZooAides age out of the program, attend college and find their true calling, whether it be something in science/conservation or if they found a new passion while in college.
Why did you decide that this is what you wanted to do and what made you decide that this was the place for you?
-I grew up going to the Columbus Zoo and have always loved animals. After working as a seasonal in the Animal Programs department between undergrad and graduate school, I changed my academic focus. The experience I got that summer engaging with the public and working closely with the animals really shaped my path.
-I was very lucky to have a friend in the Human Resources Department at the Zoo. When I graduated she contacted me to let me know about a job. I was a seasonal for a year and then was hired full-time in 1996. I have been here for 22 years. The Zoo is a great place to work because it seems like each day is different; there is always something new to do or learn. I have been here for 22 years.
What dreams or goals inspired you?
-I've always loved great apes, particularly gorillas, and in high school got involved with Root's and Shoots as well as the Columbus Zoo's Partners in Conservation (field project in Rwanda helping people AND animals). I was excited about how both of those organizations were really making a positive difference in the lives of the people who live near chimps and gorillas and in turn, the positive impact that had on the habitats and lives of those animals. I knew then that I'd like to do something to help people help animals but at that time didn't know exactly what that would look like.
Where did you go to college, what is your degree in, how many years did it take to graduate, and are you still in school?
-I went to the University of Dayton and double majored in human rights and political science (graduated in 2010 after four years) I went to Columbia University in NY for graduate school and studied human rights and sustainable development (with respect to the environment) (graduated in 2012 after two years)
-I graduated from Otterbein College with a BA in English Literature. I graduated in four years.
Is this where you thought you would be or where you wanted to be ten years ago?
-Ten years ago I had no idea I would be working directly with animals! I did think I would work in non-profit but didn't have a clear picture of what exactly I'd be doing.
-Once I started at the Zoo, I knew this is where I wanted to be. The Zoo is much bigger now than when I started but it still feels like a family. Most days I don’t feel like I am going to a job; it is a great place to be.
What is one of your favorite parts of your job?
-Lots of things to chose from!:
-fundraising for important conservation projects
-advocating on behalf of endangered species--and reaching people to influence behavior change (especially kids)!
-providing careful husbandry and enrichment to the animals and watching them work through problems and engage in training!
-The people – I love the people I interact with each day
What are you most proud of?
-The conservation messaging in our public encounters and the funds we have raised to support the Turtle Survival Alliance, Cheetah Conservation Fund, and The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB).
-The positive reinforcement training that we've done to improve the animals' quality of life in terms of husbandry and healthcare-related behaviors and enrichment!
What do you wish someone told you when you were my age?
-That no amount of planning, schooling, and preparation will guarantee that you even like the "job" when you get there. SO, it's important to be flexible and forgiving with yourself (and be brave about trying new things)!
-Time goes very quickly as you get older so enjoy life while you can. Also, do something that makes you happy.
What used to be your greatest weakness?
-Self doubt and concern for how others perceive me; I've had to train myself that it's a good thing to be decisive and assertive.
-Trying to make everyone happy. I realized that is an impossible task.
Is this something in your life you wish you could do over or change?
-No; mistakes and the wrong jobs just help you figure out where you really need to be and what makes you happy.
-I had an amazing time in college but I wish I would have taken my studies more seriously.
What has been your most rewarding accomplishment?
-The conservation messaging in our public encounters and the funds we have raised to support the Turtle Survival Alliance, Cheetah Conservation Fund, and The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB).
-The positive reinforcement training that we've done to improve the animals' quality of life in terms of husbandry and healthcare-related behaviors and enrichment!
-Seeing ZooAides age out of the program, attend college and find their true calling, whether it be something in science/conservation or if they found a new passion while in college.