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 adventures here on the Zoo’s website! Hello readers of the InternQuest blogs! My name is Tara, and I am a high school student in sunny San Diego, California. My life consists of me doing school work, playing soccer, hanging with my friends, and reading a good book. When I have time, I am always outside either strolling on the beach or just sitting on my deck overlooking the canyon. I have always been fascinated with the environment and the creatures living in it. I have been going to the Zoo ever since I was little. With my whole family having membership passes, we visit at least once a month. I would get excited for my birthday not just because I was getting older, but because that would mean we got to “Sleep with the Beasts,” the summer sleepover program at the Safari Park. I really got interested in conservation my freshman year while taking AP Environmental Science class. Seeing how badly we, the human population, treat the earth really inspired me to try and give back. It was then I realized I was able to pursue conservation as an actual career path. Science has always been my favorite subject. When I heard of Zoo InternQuest I realized that learning about possible careers at the Zoo may be what I was meant to do. I am very excited to start my 7-week journey learning about plants, animals, and all the people behind taking care of what makes the Zoo so special. Tara Fall 2017 Intern