Be Prepared!

If you had told me a few months ago that I would be traveling to Hawaii, I wouldn't believe you. I hardly believe it now. Hawaii is a distant land, an island paradise. A place reserved for honeymooners and very rich people with second homes. This all started with a desperate attempt to get a job. I'm one of those young adults who can't get a job despite having a degree. A degree that I worked very hard for and a degree that I love so much. I majored in General Biology with a Minor in Animal Science. This was my final decision after two years of pre-veterinary emphasis. General Biology should get me anything I want right? Nope. Experience is essential.  So essential that no job in the animal care field will hire me without at least a year or two of animal care experience. But that's true for any major. My desire is to work in animal care, preferably wildlife rescue. Graduating college meant that it was time to focus on getting that much needed animal care experience. After months of searching websites, job sites, zoo sites, I finally struck gold with a list of wildlife internships across the country. I also discovered the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) website that has been an absolute lifesaver for me. Through those sites I applied for multiple internships and I called on assistance from some very wonderful teachers from college that wrote reference letters for me. After landing a exotic animal internship at the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary, I sent very sincere thank you cards to those who wrote what must have been amazing reference letters. I fell in love with the animals at the Sanctuary. Grizzlies, black bears, tigers, lions, cougars, bobcats, servals, a caracal, a jaguar, a cheetah, and two very adorable coatimundis were part of the collection. I learned all the animal's names and the majority of their stories. Three months and three pairs of shoes later and it was time to find another place to get the experience that I so desperately need. The Abilene Zoo in my hometown offered me an internship, but it was with birds. I was very hesitant, but I took the opportunity to take advantage of my parents for a little while. I fell in love with the birds there. Not to mention, the bird keepers are absolutely amazing people and great teachers! The Trumpeter Hornbills, Keel billed Toucans, and the East African Crowned Cranes are among my favorites. Particularly the baby EACC chick that sprouted to waist length in just a month. It's too hard to resist the giant feet, the awkward gait, and the tiny wings that he spreads out as he runs to catch up during his daily walks.

This is Day 1

A month and a half later!

I'm going to miss this chick, but I can still visit him on exhibit when I visit the zoo. Sadly, my time at the Abilene Zoo has come to an end. Which brings me back to Hawaii. Two months of applying for jobs wasn't working out in my favor. I was getting no call backs at all. When I saw the listing on the AZA website for the Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Center internship, I just couldn't pass it up. Housing is provided along with a stipend, otherwise I would never have dared apply for it. I sent my application off thinking it was another dead end. A week later, I got the email that would change my life. I was asked to participate in the next step of the application process! I didn't think I would even get a response! There were tears in my eyes when I finished reading the email. When I sent off the questionnaire, the anxiety started building. I was selected for the first phone interview. I was afraid that I had not done as well, but I was proved wrong when I was asked to participate in a second, much longer phone interview. This was the final step. Only eight applicants made it to the second phone interview. Only four were selected for the internship. During the month long nerve-racking application process, I had discussed what would happen if an internship in Hawaii became a reality for me. Needless to say, when I got the phone call, I stumbled for words, tears welled up in my eyes as I said "Yes! I accept!" A once in a lifetime opportunity! I made sure to thank all of my references in person this time. 

It didn't feel real. There was no way that a girl like me was actually going to Hawaii. Come on now. It's Hawaii. 

It was time to buy the plane tickets. I researched flights, I researched prices, airports, layover times, everything. When I clicked the complete transaction button and my flight itinerary popped up, it suddenly got very real. I bought my own plane tickets for the first time. I had help, but still, I bought plane tickets. Somehow this action made Hawaii much more real. As the days count down until my flight, my anxiety builds. My first flight departs Abilene Regional at 5:35 am November 8, 2012. I will give my parents a big hug as they sacrifice their sleep to drive me to the airport. I already have my suitcases figured out and I even measured my backpack to make sure it will qualify as a carry on. Now I just need to start early packing to make sure I don't go over the weight requirements. Among my many different concerns, what electronics can I bring in my carry on is on the top of the list. Being deaf, I have a lot of accessories that go with my Cochlear Implant. Another concern is my laptop. I also worry about getting lost in the airport. I mean, Los Angeles International Airport is freaking huge! I'm also worried about missing my flight. I've been assured there are huge flight boards and several guest services people to ensure that I don't miss my flight even if it gets delayed or moved to another gate. I just need to be prepared!

The countdown continues: 9 days left!