I've always been passionate about animals and wildlife; even when I was just a little kid. It took me a few years to realize that not everyone is as fascinated with animals as I was. Growing up in the southeast of America I was always surrounded by various plants and animals, but I didn't get a lot of close encounters until my family moved to Colorado, towards the end of my middle school years, I got close encounters with wildlife. I've experienced a lot of wildlife up-close and personal in Colorado from almost getting charged by huge deer, having to chase off coyotes in my backyard, and even coming face to face with a black bear I've experienced a lot of the dangers of wildlife, but I've also experienced some of it's wonders. One of the best moments that I got to experience was a deer giving birth to two fawns. These and many other moments have been the reason that I want to work with wildlife. Currently, I am enrolled at Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) getting my degree in Zoo Keeping Technology so that I can become a zoo keeper. The reason that I want to be a zoo keeper is because I believe that it is one of the best ways to help animals and to help preserve nature. Zoos play a vital part in helping us to preserve nature from creating species survival plans for some of the earth's most endangered species, to connecting the public to nature as well as getting them interested in the natural world, and even allowing researchers a place to study animals to help find the best way to protect the species. While being a zoo keeper is my current goal it is not the end of my education. Once I get my degree and become a zoo keeper I plan on going back to college to get a master's degree in Zoology. Zoology is the scientific study of animals, and how they interact with their environment. The reason for this is that I've become extremely fascinated with the different ways that animals interact with their environment. I recently discovered this about myself in two parts with the first part being how I was fascinated with learning different things about animals from nature docs, and the other part being my classes at PPSC. The classes that I have taken at PPSC have allowed me to view the natural world differently, so this in turn allowed me to discover a new type of passion when it comes to working with animals. When it comes to getting a college degree you sometimes need more than just your grit alone, and sometimes have to rely on others for support. One person that has always done that would have to be my mom. My mom is always supporting me by trying to find resources that could help me, but also being there to help encourage me to achieve my goals. Another thing that my mom does is she questions a lot of the decisions that I make. While this doesn't always seem like a good thing I see it as a way to reassure myself that I am making the best decisions.

Hi, my name is Matthew. For most of my childhood, my family and I moved around a lot while I was growing up. We moved a lot due to economic troubles as my father was a truck driver for many years, and my brothers and I never had a stable mother figure in our lives. By the 7th grade, we finally settled down in Colorado Springs where my family and I have been ever since. We decided to settle down as my father met someone and they have been together ever since. While my brothers and I don't live under the same roof anymore the bond that we have created through our troubled past still keeps us together no matter how far away we are from one another. Currently, I am enrolled at Pikes Peak State College, going for my degree in Zoo Keeping Technology so that one day I can be a zoo keeper. I have always had a fascination with animals whether it be the time I hand feed wild ducks at Disney World, when I'm taking care of my family's animals, or the time I witnessed a deer give birth to twins. Zoo Keeping Technology teaches students about the different ways to care for all types of animals from exhibit-appropriate designs, proper nutrition, husbandry care, and the appropriate ways to restrain animals for both transport as well as vet care for the animals. The reason why I want to be a zoo keeper is that I love caring for different kinds of animals, and I am often most comfortable in nature surrounded by various plants and animals. My ultimate career goal is to be an executive member of WAZA. WAZA also known as the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums works with Zoos and Aquariums all over the world to help research and conserve the planet's most endangered species. WAZA encourages the cooperation of zoos and aquariums around the world by giving breeding recommendations, supporting conservation and research projects, and promoting safe and effective care for all animals in zoos and aquariums. By becoming a member of WAZA I would be able to make effective actions to help animals from all around the world. My life has been full of hardships, even from an early age, but I never gave up on believing in myself. Through the many trials in my life to eventually wanting to become a zoo keeper I never gave up on wanting to create a better life for myself and the people that are close to me. I hope that you will consider me for this scholarship.