My Time At The Las Vegas Natural History Museum

I stumbled into my internship journey. Originally interviewing for a research-based position centered around collections, I encountered a shift when no research projects were available. Instead, the opportunity morphed into a workforce internship that, at first glance, didn't align with my veterinary aspirations—except for a tangential connection to taxidermy. Undeterred, my enthusiasm for learning and animals became a key factor during the interview. The interviewers promptly redirected me towards the husbandry department, marking my initiation as their inaugural intern. Additionally, I found myself delving into the education department.

Within these unconventional realms, my knowledge expanded into the intricacies of insects and marine animals. Despite my major being in psychology, my ultimate goal is to become a veterinarian or work with therapy animals for individuals with disabilities. Drawing from previous experiences as a volunteer at an animal hospital and working with children at church, I discovered that these experiences were instrumental, and the educational prerequisites were surprisingly minimal.

Gratitude is owed to my patient supervisors who not only adeptly explained the intricacies of the work but also fostered an environment where questions were welcomed. The intersection of husbandry and education in my internship has spurred contemplation about the animals I aspire to work with—be it domestic animals, a livestock veterinarian, or, more recently, a marine veterinarian. The realization that pursuing a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) is integral to my ambitions has solidified.

For those embarking on their internship journey, I offer a piece of advice: resilience is key. Embrace unexpected turns, for within them lie invaluable experiences. Don't hesitate to seek help—your mentors are there to guide you. This internship is not merely a professional stint; it's an avenue to forge connections that might profoundly shape your future.

Here is a photo of an unfertilized shark egg