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! My name is Maranda, and I am currently finishing up my senior year in high school.
At two years old, I was drawn to catching moths and crawling critters. As I continued to grow and flourish, animals would always be an interest in my eyes and be a big part of my life. Since my parents realized my love for animals, they threw me the best seventh birthday party ever! Sitting with my friends in the park, a lady placed some mysterious crates in front of us. She opened the first box, I couldn’t believe my eyes. A yellow Burmese Python slithered onto my lap. While the kids around me scrunched up their legs in fear, I was anxious to get out of my seat and discover more. The animal ambassador and her exotic friends fueled my passion for animal conservation. Soon enough, I was giving class presentations about saving species in the wild and attending San Diego Zoo Safari Park programs to enhance my skills. When I wasn’t busy learning more about animals, I would continue to take care and look after many animals, including dog sitting, and eventually, raising baby chicks to adulthood.
In addition to my love for animals, I have a passion towards helping others in my community. For the past two years, I have been a Youth Commissioner for the Community Services Department in the City of Escondido. In my position, I provided valuable youth input during community service council meetings to give insight and recommendations from a youth’s perspective. Since part of the board’s role is to create opportunities for children and youth, they counted on me to share my ideas. Additionally, I devote time to assist the elderly at the local senior center. During the holidays, I have joined other board members to prepare and serve warm lunches to seniors. It brings me joy to serve the community, especially those who do not have family close by.
In my free time, you can find me enjoying early morning mountain bike rides, reading through a trilogy of epic novels, or watching the most recent Disney movie with my friends and family.
In the future, I am interested in pursuing a career as a veterinarian or zoologist. Through this behind the scenes experience, I hope to learn more about the daily lives of a veterinarian, zoologist, or even explore a new animal related career path. I am eager to see what adventures lie ahead and hope my blogs allow you to accompany me during this thrilling journey in Zoo Internship!
Maranda
Winter Session, 2019
