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 their jobs, and then blog about their experience online. Follow their adventure here on the Zoo’s website! Hello all! My name is Jenna, and I am a senior gearing up for college and life beyond. I am incredibly excited to be a part of InternQuest. This is going to be so very interesting and I am looking forward to learning more about my chosen career path which is wildlife biology and conservation. I have always had a deep love for nature in all its aspects, starting from early childhood. I spent as much time as possible outdoors, perched in trees or scouring the neighboring park for curiously colored leaves and glimmering beetles, returning home every sunset brimming with affectionate wonder for the world around me. As I grew and matured, that attitude never weakened. I knew that I wanted to work with animals and the environment, but it wasn’t until a seventh grade visit to the Institute for Conservation Research that I zeroed in on conservation. Since then, much of my time outside my increasingly rigorous course load has been designated to exploring the science of wildlife biology and conservation worldwide. I am not the most social of creatures- I would much rather curl up with a copy of National Geographic or spend a Saturday volunteering at an exotic animal sanctuary than attend a dance or a party. Some other hobbies of mine are drawing and painting (it’s a little out of control- my closet doors are currently the canvas for a too-large work in progress), reading, debating costume designs with one of my dearest friends (I am head of costume design for my school’s theater- very fun, very demanding!), and exploring the little hidden places of southern California. I am eagerly anticipating what the next few weeks will bring, and hope that you all will also be able to experience some of this amazing opportunity with me! Jenna Winter Session 2016