Zoo InternQuest is a seven-week career exploration program for San Diego County high school juniors and seniors. Students have the unique opportunity to meet professionals working for the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, and Institute for Conservation Research, learn about jobs, and the blog about their experience online. Follow their adventures here on the Zoo’s website!
With numerous moves (over twelve) in my lifetime, it has led me to a variety of unique animal experiences. Given my passion for animals, each one of these encounters is a treasured memory.
However, one of my dreams is to one day own a horse of my own. Growing up, I had the privilege of caring for my grandfather’s horses on his farm. Of course, I love to ride them too! I love the time I get to spend with the horses. To feel them move beneath me as we ride the trails allows me to think, plan and dream of what is to come. Horses are powerful, and at the same time, they are gentle; I love that about them. I plan to major in veterinary medicine and that comes from my love of horses and passion to take care of them.
I also love to swim. I have competed on the Swim team for four years and played Water Polo for the last three years. While living in Hawaii, I enjoyed snorkeling in the crystal, clear waters and swam with schools of colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, dolphins and even a shark! Swimming in the ocean makes me feel alive and connected with the animals that live in that environment. I love to observe animals in their natural habitats whether it be in the water or on land.
This past summer, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to work with two veterinarians. I had a wide range of exposure of care to many types of animals, and what a veterinarian does on a daily basis. In the future, I aspire to work with animals, to continue to grow in my knowledge and help conserve their natural habitats.
InternQuest is a challenge that I look forward too. I am delighted to have the opportunity to meet and work with professionals in the Animal Science field, to gain knowledge from all the unique experiences and to share these experiences with you.
Lauren
Profile, Fall 2015
