Wildest Dreams beats in my heart like a Djembe Drum as it inspires my longing to ever have the opportunity to see wildlife in its natural estate. As someone who works as a zookeeper in the exotic animal field and is striving to obtain her second degree in Animal Behavior, I just want to express that Wildest Dreams is a perfect representation of the wildlife that we need to cherish on this planet and the animals that are shown on screen were exhibited respectfully in naturalistic view. Now I want to also take a wild guess and say that the lion was hired from Steve Martins Working Wildlife and the giraffe was associated with Bob Dunns Animal Services, but I could be wrong. How cool would it be if I was right! Then I could say I saw some friends of mine in a music video. I'm also extremely grateful that the making of Wildest Dreams went to a meaningful cause, one that I try to every day make a difference in, and that is Wildlife Conservation. I could go on about how much this is my favorite music video because of the animals, but I think you already know how accurate it is and how it has already garnered a seal of approval from zookeeping swifties alike. Yet, Wildest Dreams makes me feel something else inside, and that feeling arises through the story it tells between the vintage personas of Scott Eastwood and Taylor Swift's love interests around each other. As much as we move on from relationships that don't work out, we don't want to be forgotten. Especially in our most intimate moments. So the lyrics, "Say you'll remember me" almost comes off as a promise and a cry to recognize that what you had with someone will always be unique and individual to you. Something that can't be replicated by anybody else. As time moves forward, sometimes we find comfort in our memories of someone. Moments are a balance of good and bad. When I hear, "Say you'll see me again, even if it's just pretend", it pushes me to dwell on the thought, I wonder if he thinks about me as much as I think about him. But we will never know each other's minds or feeling completely, and if only there was a bridge in dreams that we could cross to find out each other's true feelings. Knowing well that there isn't, listening to this track has taught me that I should be honest with how I really feel because the opportunity to express what's in your heart can be fleeting.

Baba Dioum, a conservationist of his time once famously said, " In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught." This knowledge has rung true to my identity ever since I was a toddler. I can remember as far back as being three years old to the first time a cat wandered into my front yard and let me pet it. Having a parrot placed on my shoulder for the first time, or going horseback riding, it was memorable moments in my childhood like these that molded me into someone who wants to advocate for animals. It was wildlife that had always struck me as most fascinating because there is so much about it we have yet to learn. Going on hikes, sailing, or visiting rescues lured me into seeking a career where I can fill my days caring for animals because my love for nature overflows without asking for anything in return, only the presence of them thriving was enough to validate my impact and purpose. Right out of high school, I had no idea where to begin, I started taking a few classes on being a registered veterinary technician and joining the RVT club. It was here that I stumbled upon hearing about a zoo technology program that had a zoo on campus but I didn't have enough credit hours to go on the field trip. After looking at the pre-requisite courses needed to get into America's Teaching Zoo, I quickly changed gears and started taking classes that would qualify me to apply for the program. I was quite a ways away as it was more than 5 classes that I needed so I looked to get experience in the meantime. I looked into volunteering at my local wildlife sanctuary and little did I know I was in for the wildest journey of my life. I started volunteering in 2013 and it was here that I saw many animals like bears, chimpanzees, and big cats for the first time up close. I was so stricken with the beauty of it all I volunteered almost every day, sometimes 9 days in a row and not long after 6 months I was asked to be hired as a part of the animal care staff team. My first day turned into 8 years where I learned how to care for a variety of species, prepare diets, learn safe handling for ambassador animals, and evacuated animals from 2 forest fires that threatened the compound. After working full-time and taking those classes that I needed part-time, I was finally ready to become a student at America's teaching zoo, and in 2018 I graduated with my associate's in Animal Behavior and management. During my time at the sanctuary and school, the sanctuary founder became a leading role model and mentor in my journey. She had been in the animal industry for over 50 years and always had the knowledge to share with me. Not only did she give me my first job, fed me during long study sessions, and clapped for me as I walked the stage in my cap and gown, she allowed me to become someone experienced on a path to professionalism. Metaphorically, she put a crown on my head and said "You are the next generation of wildlife warriors", and passed away last year. Today I am a big cat zookeeper pursuing my bachelor's in Animal Health and Behavior with experience in wildlife education and outreach, hoping that I can continue my lifelong dream.

It is undeniable that the impacts of Climate Change have already made their debut in affecting all of us and everything, vulnerable people living in poverty, endangered species, and delicate ecosystems. I have always had a passion for working with animals and I pursued this dream by volunteering at my local wildlife sanctuary. During my time there, I had the opportunity to learn basic exotic animal husbandry, animal handling, and conservation outreach. I also helped fundraise for this nonprofit through engaging events with educational programs, like co-existing with native wildlife, and the effects of human activity on natural habitats. I believe that working closely with the ambassador animals gave me a deeper perspective on the harsh realities their counterparts face in the wild. I also developed a deeper appreciation for wildlife and have made it a personal goal to advocate for declining species. Being involved in outreach events was my favorite part of volunteering. I enjoyed interacting with my community and speaking to multiple demographic groups like children, senior citizens, people in the same field, and the general public. The most rewarding memories I have is seeing someone learn something new, whether it's learning something new about an animal, learning that our actions serve an impact, or even experiencing an ambassador up close where they wouldn't have had the opportunity to see that same species in the wild. To further develop my profession, I pursued an education in the Sciences of Zoology, Climate change, and Animal Behavior. Learning how to educate the public on environmental issues goes hand in hand with learning about the importance of Animal Welfare under human care and Wildlife management. My journey in my studies has been rewarding from the start. In 2016 I joined the Exotic Animal Training and Management Program at Moorpark College. This is where I professionally learned how to promote the health of captive wildlife through modern husbandry practices and operant conditioning using positive reinforcement methods. I also found my voice in learning how to better communicate wildlife conservation through public speaking. After I graduated with an A.S. degree in 2018 I became an employed outreach coordinator for the same sanctuary I volunteered at for four years. Currently, I am pursuing my bachelor's degree in Animal Health and Behavior at Unity College and much of the coursework revolves around preserving biodiversity loss and addressing current environmental issues. I love expanding the depth of my knowledge and can't wait to apply my education professionally. One of my future goals is to be able to work at a zoological facility that is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, AZA, and become a part of their species survival program, SSP, that ensures the survival of critically endangered species for future generations.

I have always heard that animal people stand out from the crowd. As someone who doesn't wear their occupation on their shoulder when not at work, it can be quite the ice breaker talking about what I do for a living. It's been a little over 10 years of working as a zoo‌ keeper, and to say it's been a wild ride can be a little bit of an understatement. The first thing people picture when I explain that I work with wildlife is the fantasy of playing with or petting wild animals all day long, but that's only true two percent of the time. Describing the experience sets my passion on rev, especially for people wanting to get their foot in the doors. The world could always have more Wildlife Warriors, and if I can get people passionate about Conservation and protecting Endangered Species then I can hope for a world where we can coexist with wildlife, restore natural habitat, and become sustainable with our resources. I can remember a time when my most adventurous memories were just being able to experience as many species as I could on the job or evacuating five hundred-plus exotic animals from a wildfire, twice. But something that I will always carry with me was the opportunity to do Outreach for my local community. As an outreach coordinator, I took a hand full of small animals, sometimes owls, snakes, parrots, turtles and many others, to elementary schools, retirement homes, and countless fundraiser events. I got to educate groups of people from various demographics on how amazing and unique animal abilities are, coexist with our native wildlife, and how the wildlife pet trade can be detrimental to our ecosystem. My favorite group to work with was first graders because, for many of them, it was their first time seeing a hedgehog or a baby alligator up close. The twinkle of wonder I saw in their eyes as they learned something through sight, sound or touch sparked a new generation of people who want to care about animals. Hearing "I'm never going to forget this day at school", from a child was so impactful to my purpose that I knew I was meant to teach others. Working with small mammals turned into working hands-on with Big Cats years later. But the passion to teach and share with others is so ingrained in me that I'll always want to leave someone with having learned something new. Whether it's facts about tigers or how to become a zookeeper I'm always eager to share. Today, I am an Alumni with an Associates degree in Exotic Animal Training and Management from Moorpark College, and I currently keep in contact with the Community College to help assist and organize working internships at my place of work. I am also a hired Student Ambassador at Unity Environmental University helping current students find their path in what they want to do working with animals. I want people to thrive in their careers as much as I felt like I have because the work in every aspect has been so meaningful. I hope to continue my line of work in my field, in my education, and in my pursuit of animal welfare.

If you googled Martine Colette, you would see a wild woman who loved, rescued, and gave native and exotic animals a second chance at life. To me, she wasn't just my boss, she was my mentor who gave me a dream. She was a force of nature who left a legacy. It was 2012 when our paths crossed. I was a measly 19 years old trying to find my career path in working with animals. I began getting my foot in the door by volunteering at my local wildlife sanctuary. The sanctuary where she had been the founder and director for over 40 years. When a position of employment opened, I rushed at the opportunity to land my very first paid job as an animal keeper. Her approval meant more than just a source of income or experience. It meant a new life that I could never imagine possible. Months flew into years and being 19 turned into being 27, and after 8 long faithful trips around the sun, she watched me blossom into a professional, who just like herself, became a wildlife warrior. She supported me in all of my ambitions and fed my passion with her knowledge from her life that dates back to living in the African bush. Little did I know, that I would be battling wildfires, participating in the evacuation of 500 animals (twice!), working rain or shine, landslides and floods, and seeing tigers go on a stroll and bears romp in the pool in the compound. I got to hold a baby alligator, bottle feed a lion cub, and be placed in a position of management where I got to inspire school children by bringing animals into their classrooms through our wildlife education programs. When I decided to continue my education, she built me up and gave me all of the tools and skills I needed to graduate top of my class. Martine always encouraged me to keep climbing, and would always say to me, "You take the reigns now, I'm old and moldy". She was a pioneer in the world of animal sanctuaries and husbandry practices for exotic animals living under human care. January 23, 2022, Martine Colette, Founder and Director, mentor and friend, saving grace to animals in need, passes away at age 79 to stage 4 lung cancer. Truly an end of an era. The overwhelming feeling of loss pushed me to keep my chin up high and keep climbing because her legacy burns bright within me now. The memories of her attending my school plays, throwing me birthday parties, or pouring me a glass of wine are memories that go beyond the time clock. She wasn't just a teacher who showed me how to take care of animals, she was a model who molded me into a functioning adult with a purpose. I know she would be proud of me today, especially if she knew I decided to pursue my bachelor's in Animal Health and Behavior. Always striving, always climbing, always keeping the legacy alive.

It is undeniable that the impacts of Climate Change have already made their debut in affecting all of us and everything, vulnerable people living in poverty, endangered species, and delicate ecosystems. I have always had a passion for working with animals and I pursued this dream by volunteering at my local wildlife sanctuary. During my time there, I had the opportunity to learn basic exotic animal husbandry, animal handling, and conservation outreach. I also helped fundraise for this nonprofit through engaging events with educational programs, like co-existing with native wildlife, and the effects of human activity on natural habitats. I believe that working closely with the ambassador animals gave me a deeper perspective on the harsh realities their counterparts face in the wild. I also developed a deeper appreciation for wildlife and have made it a personal goal to advocate for declining species. Being involved in outreach events was my favorite part of volunteering. I enjoyed interacting with my community and speaking to multiple demographic groups like children, senior citizens, people in the same field, and the general public. The most rewarding memories I have is seeing someone learn something new, whether it's learning something new about an animal, learning that our actions serve an impact, or even experiencing an ambassador up close where they wouldn't have had the opportunity to see that same species in the wild. To further develop my profession, I pursued an education in the Sciences of Zoology, Climate change, and Animal Behavior. Learning how to educate the public on environmental issues goes hand in hand with learning about the importance of Animal Welfare under human care and Wildlife management. My journey in my studies has been rewarding from the start. In 2016 I joined the Exotic Animal Training and Management Program at Moorpark College. This is where I professionally learned how to promote the health of captive wildlife through modern husbandry practices and operant conditioning using positive reinforcement methods. I also found my voice in learning how to better communicate wildlife conservation through public speaking. After I graduated with an A.S. degree in 2018 I became an employed outreach coordinator for the same sanctuary I volunteered at for four years. Currently, I am pursuing my bachelor's degree in Animal Health and Behavior at Unity College and much of the coursework revolves around preserving biodiversity loss and addressing current environmental issues. I love expanding the depth of my knowledge and can't wait to apply my education professionally. One of my future goals is to be able to work at a zoological facility that is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, AZA, and become a part of their species survival program, SSP, that ensures the survival of critically endangered species for future generations.

Don't let something you are stuck on keep you from obtaining something better. This was a very hard lesson to learn because at first glance what you think is the best can make you settle before seeing that something greater for you can come along. In my story, I'm going to talk about my experience with applying for jobs. After obtaining my associate's degree in Exotic Animal Training and Management I applied for a job in Oregon. I thought this facility would be a good fit for me, I saw that I had met all the requirements and a little beyond that. During my interview, I felt that I was very liked and notified that I will be getting a call back to discuss my start date. I thought to myself "Yes, I found the place for me", only to be followed up by weeks of no callback, and a disconnected number. Truly I thought that the only opportunity I had to gain the working experience I needed to thrive in the field was impossible. Five more months had gone by and I got a call back from a place I had applied to along the way. I was elated to hear that I was chosen to fill a position as a zookeeper in Nevada. Looking back I see that the place where I currently reside now was able to offer me competitive pay, full benefits, and overall a closer commute to my family, things that the place in Oregon I so heavily waited on couldn't offer me. In the end, I would have been happy if I did score Oregon, but I'm glad the turn of events played the way they have because I would not have come to know the happiness I know now which is more today.

Being alumni from Americas Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College, every year I introduce myself to the current students that rotate through the Exotic Animal Training and Management Program. I have seen that the students that graduate from this program become not just zookeepers, but the world's frontline advocates for conservation and the preservation of endangered species. There are alumni at almost any Zoological facility worldwide, and just like how I received advice and wisdom from alumni while I was in the program, I now help guide future graduates on their endeavor to help wildlife. I have been employed at two different facilities that welcome field trips and internships for the program. During that time I have shared my experience working with Native and Exotic wildlife, what employers expect from staff, safety, handling protocols with exotic animals, and the usage of operant conditioning and positive reinforcement training. In a highly competitive field, I encourage students to not freight at the first rejection letter they receive, and that it takes many tries and many jobs to find where you fit best. I'm currently a Big Cat keeper in Nevada and one student now graduate himself has kept in touch with me throughout his journey. He frequently will reach out to me for advice in training and handling. During his internship, he was able to observe me for a day. Seeing me work in my profession encouraged him to apply for a similar position in Arizona and he is now a Big Cat Keeper at a safari park in that state. Though I know he earned his position by being an exceptional applicant, being present to help encourage him along the way has been a reward all its own.

"If you are not having fun, then you aren't thinking of yourself", is something I have forgotten many times. I often tell myself this now as more pressures and responsibilities pile up in my adulthood. Sometimes it feels impossible to balance all aspects of my life: family, friends, hobbies, health, and marriage, that I often lose myself in trying to satisfy every facet. What I notice is when I try to perfect all areas of my life, they usually end up suffering. After some time of being stuck in this cycle, I began to ask myself more critical questions like, Does this really benefit me? Is this good for my physical/mental health? Do I enjoy what I'm doing? Is this a top priority? After time and practice answering these questions I became better at organizing the purpose for the things I do and choices I make. When I think about the purpose of why I am doing something, exercise, for example, am I exercising for the societal beauty standard? If so, then I now know I can never satisfy the beauty standard. If I am exercising for my own wellness then I satisfy my achievement. Being a media-savvy individual, trends and algorithms often push onto me the things they want me to think I need. Staying true to myself in this world can be difficult. It occurred to me that no matter how many social events I attend, how many photos I post, how many restaurants I try, I can never be the influencer the internet wants. Overall the more upbeat I appeared on social media the more drained I was in person. I began to recall my happiness by remembering all of the activities I enjoyed and living them out once more. I became honest and true to myself.

There is no doubt that with the exponential growth of the human population there is direct correlation with the depletion of natural resources, more pollution, and habitat loss for endangered species. This does not have to be our outcome if we act more cautiously now. Every day I advocate for the survival of endangered species because if we can learn to preserve their home, we can help humanity as a whole. For about 5 years I have taught outreach at numerous elementary schools and fairs with the help of my animal ambassadors. Helping people develop a connection to wildlife whereas they might not have if they never met ambassador animals up close. We might not see wildlife everyday where we live, in our big cities and suburban neighborhoods, but they are all around us trying their best to adapt to the changes we as a human population have put in place. Now as they battle climate change on top of habitat loss, it has always been my mission to show others who we are indirectly affecting. Now I currently work at a Dolphin Habitat and tiger preserve where we teach visitors every day that ocean acidification and pollution affect out marine life drastically. We also advocate that tigers are a key stone species, and that their disappearance could mean the collapse of an entire ecosystem. Having our facility nestled in the middle of a major Metropolitain area brings many tourists, school children, and local citizens to connect with wildlife and leave with a new fond appreciation for protecting the species by protecting habitat.

Encouraging ones self to practice self care, especially as a college student, is more important now more than ever. Especially with the stigma behind the century old idea of putting our studies before anything else in life in order to ring in that successful career. Thinking that if we just hold out for a little longer, it will all be worth it in the end. This way of thinking lead to countless late study nights, induced migraines, and unhealthy snacking. Not to mention a caffeine addiction and chronic fatigue. Some of the ways I turned myself around and put my physical and mental state first is designating a day out of the week just for me. Though it might be tight given a full time work schedule and being a part time online student, this promise to myself has been much more worth it than any passing grade on a final. To do a little something for my self everyday I always do my morning yoga stretches by my favorite fitness influencer "Blogilates". Plus packing a healthy snack to have mid day at work. But on a "Me" day not only do I start my day day with my routine stretch, I follow up with an intense cardio and core work out with either Chloe Ting or Pamela Jess work out videos on YouTube in the comfort of my living room. After that, I finish with mile on the treadmill and finally hit my bath bomb soak. Once I'm clean I dive into my extensive facial routine, which includes a mineral scrub, collagen mask, and hyaluronic acid serum. Feeling Physically prepped, I then choose what I would like to spend the day on, whether its a good book, TV Series, or hobby. I've never been happier until now!

Pushing through a class on my least favorite subject, showing up for a no show on the job, Working full time rain or shine, or even during a Pandemic, my quality of endurance has always promised to be right beside me through all of these moments. When I chose to pursue a career in working with captive wildlife, I quickly learned that I had to be present for the animals I cared for everyday. With the need to accommodate captive and endangered wildlife in zoos and sanctuaries, the world only becomes more difficult for wildlife to thrive due to habitat loss, human encroachment, and climate change. Learning to be present everyday for animals first came with learning how to gain the necessary credentials needed to take care of specific species. I enrolled at America's Teaching zoo at Moorpark College, one of only 2 on campus teaching zoos in the country. This rigorous 22 month program had me enroll as a full time student, and student zookeeper, keeping me on campus for more than 6 hours a day, 7 days a week. Without enduring these long hours, I don’t think I would have come to learn that animals' needs don’t stop when the school bell rings. We have to be readily available and on call for any emergency, illness, or injury. Enduring these long shifts came with rewards to long and trustful relationships with animals, which was heavily needed in husbandry training. Husbandry training is very beneficial to an animal's quality of life because it allows them to voluntarily participate in their own health care. For example, teaching a blood draw behavior, or hoof trim behavior are somethings that are needed and can be less stressful when an animal is trained to be comfortable with small procedures like these. This definitely takes a great amount of patience and can take months to reach desired progress. After my experience working with wildlife in community college and continuing to pursue a higher education in wildlife management I have learned to selflessly put those before me when care is needed. Enduring challenges that aren’t written in textbooks comes with creative thinking and perseverance. I’ve had to muscle through tight schedules, bad weather, and countless study nights to reach my career goals. I had many moments where I felt like my plate was too full, or there was no way I could finish on time, or passing one thing meant failing another. Looking back and seeing all that was accomplished set the precedent for future challenges in knowing that I can accomplish more because I have before.

The year of 2020 certainly has impacted everyone one way or another. Finding a new way to quickly change our daily routines, travel plans, or priorities has had its own set of challenges. Some of us went from working a regular 9 to 5 to staying at home for months. Others went from working a regular 40 hour week to filling in overtime every day. As an essential worker and an environmental student, meeting the challenges that the pandemic has brought forth, truly built my inner character and perseverance. Not many people think of Animal care or Zoo keeping first when they think of essential work. Caring for captive wildlife has taught me that the work of conservation does not rest. Along with continuing my courses on Fishery and Wildlife Management and Sustainability, I did not cease learning on what we can do to combat climate change. Seeing environmental changes during the Pandemic has motivated me to continue to work towards and advocate a sustainable future for people and endangered species. We saw what the world looks like when we all came to a halt. To see environmental healing gives us and those to come a fighting chance.

Art was always my favorite subject in school. Not because it was easy, but because it was a way to bring my thought onto canvas. Anything digitally illustrated was difficult for me to learn because I am technologically inept. Traditional mediums will always have my heart. I definitely don't think I'm the best out there and I haven't illustrated for a while now, but I can not deny that an artist is who I am. Through I don't draw regularly, I craft more often. I've become engulfed in Nerd culture when it comes to Cosplay. But I am still using the same God gifted hands, the same hands that painted images on paper, to bring characters and original designs to life. What held paint brushes now holds sewing needles and fabrics. What I hope for the future is that there be more artists, more illustrators, more musicians, and programs that can help everyone grow and become their artistic selves. The world is so beautiful with them in it.

Who else can live among-st the thick canopy's of the Africa almost throughout their entire life to study one subject? None other than Jane Goodall who committed 60 years studying the diverse and complex behaviors of chimpanzees. Her work as a primatologist gave my work as a primate keeper so much more depth and meaning. Because of her work, she has paved a way for animal welfare and conservation that gives hope for the future of our generation and for the future of endangered species.

My long adventurous excursion in pursuing my Bachelors in Fisheries and Wildlife Management at Oregon State University has exposed me to a vast amount of subjects ranging from Sustainable Fisheries, Environmental U.S History, and Multicultural Perspectives in Natural Resources just to name a few. One particular course being Environmental Law Policy and Economics has really pinpointed a few focuses on policy changes that can help curb the climate crisis. As a class, we got to toggle with the ENROADS simulator and physically see what practices were needed to bring the global temperature down to a sustainable 2 degrees. Our main project and final for the course was our Climate Policy Project: Policy Proposal Paper. For this assignment each student had to choose how they would reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions whether they chose to focus on renewable energy, carbon removal, or new technology. My Policy Proposal targeted reducing Greenhouse Gases in agriculture through public policy. Some of my themes included getting the general public to adopt a plant based diet, proposing an excise tax on each unit of product, and moving agriculture to adopt technology that improves the production of plant based meats. Although farming in vitro meat was an option, and a study done in the U.K proved to be possible, right now a steak grown in a petri dish would cost about $200,000. But with improved production cost can be estimated at an economically sound $2 per pound by 2030. Conclusively, consumers have the ultimate choice in buying meat based products and changing behavior with tax within State Statutes will push the public to seek substitutes. Informing the general population that Plant based diets also have a social benefit in health and decrease in high blood pressure, high cholesterol and can be cost effective. Farmers whose economic stability depends on farming livestock can be the first to move over to farming sustainable substitutes. With an increased demand in produce and non-meat products this can greatly reduce the emissions of GHG. By keeping in mind policy changes within Statutory rights and economic health, we can continue to look for solutions that can be beneficial to everyone, person and environment. The study in this course really gave me knowledge on government action, partnered with conservation, on how the climate crisis is being thought of and handled everyday. These projects and policy ideas may seem experimental, but with extensive research and evidence, they can truly become a promise that can be grasped.