A classmate first mentioned the Wildlife Center of Virginia during our final fall semester at James Madison University. I had no idea that the brief conversation – which took place on a hallway floor as we were cramming for a midterm – would forever change my life.
I have seen many colleagues come and go over these years, but in a unique field like wildlife rehabilitation and environmental education, bonds are developed quickly within our small staff.
One of the very best things about working at the Wildlife Center (other than working daily with a Peregrine Falcon and a hog-nosed snake) is working with so many great people.
My time here at the Center began in the middle of the year as the new six-month veterinary intern. Being a new graduate of veterinary school in May, I was very nervous to start my internship but also filled with excitement, because wildlife medicine has always been my true passion.
This year has been one of the most challenging, exciting, and difficult years of my personal and professional life.
One fine Saturday in June, outreach coordinator Raina, fellow outreach volunteer Shelly, and I set out to attend the Grace Farm Tour in Keswick, Virginia, with three of our education ambassadors.
As we wrap up 2017, one thing I realized is that no matter how much or how little someone knows about wildlife, the awe, wonder, and amazement of seeing wild animals up close is always the same.
For me, 2017 didn’t really start with a bang … more with a “thud”.
I am continuously humbled by the many things people do for the staff at the Wildlife Center. We have supporters surprise us with lunch, make sure we all get an eagle calendar, and drop off treats every week.
This year, two things stand out for me as being special or memorable in 2017, and both relate to our education snakes in our Outreach Room.
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