For starters, none of this would have been possible if not for my Auntie, Uncle, and cousins, who have been so kind as to open their home to me for the summer. If any of you are reading this, THANK YOU for making my big dreams come true!

The School of Natural Resources places high value on work experience, and as someone who lives with passion for zoos, wildlife, conservation, and education, I realize that there could not be a better opportunity available for me. The Honolulu Zoo and the Honolulu Zoo Society offer wonderful experiences not only for children (or keiki, in Hawaiian), but also for me as a staff member. I get to educate the next generation of zoologists, veterinarians, conservationists, etc. while also learning plenty myself. I am surrounded by new cultures, languages, music, foods, customs, wildlife, ecosystems, and people who know way more about zoos than I do – and what better way to learn than this?! I have discovered new passions and deepened existing ones during my time here so far, and I cannot wait to see where the rest of the summer takes me!

I spend my free time and most weekends exploring and experiencing all the island has to offer. This typically means going to different beaches (a close second favorite place of mine, only behind the zoo), but I also enjoy hiking, trying out new restaurants and foods, watching my cousin compete in her weekly regattas, spending time with my family, viewing native wildlife, and generally just soaking it up as much as possible!

Although it will be very difficult to leave my island life behind me in just a few weeks, I do look forward to returning to the Good Life and rejoining my Husker family for one final year of undergrad. Go Big Red and mahalo (“thank you”) for reading my story!