To: Stephanie Chesloc

From: Jordanna Helm

Date: 9/3/14

Subject: Getting to know you, getting to know all about you

 

                Growing up in Arizona, a place where only one season seems to live (Summer, in case you aren’t familiar with the South and the weather that inhabits it,) my childhood was full of outdoor activity and nature. I found myself moving away at age seven, to a place of unfamiliarity and four seasons, so my mother could follow her heart and be with the one she loved. I spent the next six years migrating back and forth from Wisconsin and Arizona, tagging along on my mother’s journey to find happiness, before we finally settled in Wisconsin at age fourteen, for good. I was unhappy with this decision as I longed for constant warm weather, mountains I could hike, and wildlife beyond deer and rabbits. This new found longing however had a positive, it guided me to my career choice in zoology.

                Since I could remember I had always had an overwhelming love for animals, I felt so much compassion towards these creatures of the earth, and had a strong instinct to protect and care for them. I also knew I wasn’t one for staying in one place, and the need to explore the world and learn more about the different types of animals was continuing to grow. At age 14 I began looking into different fields regarding the care-taking of animals as well as the study of animals, and spent a lot of time trying to pin-point exactly what it is I wanted to do. I went from animal trainer to zookeeper, never really being happy with a decision, until my senior year when I took a career class. This class showed me a career I had not come across, wildlife conservation, a career where I could pursue field research, a great choice since it contains both my love for travel and my love for animals.

                Since my career involves research, I know writing and communication skills are something I will want, and need, to master, and I am hoping this class will lead me in that direction. It will be important to be able to efficiently type up reports, take notes, and be able to record my sights and findings. One day I also hope to own my own Wildlife Refuge, which in its own right is a business, so learning how to write documents pertaining to that business, will also be an essential key in my success.