My passion for wildlife and the outdoors was sealed the moment I saw the famous La Jolla sea lions sun-bathing on the warm California sand.  The sea lions, unquestionably, sparked my interest in wildlife conservation, and as I observed the numerous conservation organizations hard at work, I could not help but envision myself being in their shoes ten years down the road.  Living in California and working towards conserving the sea lion population, as well as improving their environment, is my dream.   My goals motivate me to stay focused on my education so that my dream can become a reality. 

              Working towards a stronger and healthier wildlife population takes many hands, all performing different jobs.  There are numerous paths available to take in order to play a part in sustaining wildlife, and I am still unsure where I will fit and which part best suits me.  Whether I am sitting on a boat tagging animals for a case study, helping to raise animals in a zoo, or spreading awareness to the public, I know that I will be playing some role in the preservation of wildlife.  It is clear that there will be numerous paths available to me as I embark on the study of wildlife, natural resources, and how to best help conserve and preserve both.  Whichever career path I eventually choose, receiving a well-rounded education, enabling me to have numerous options in the field, is my top priority.  I am confident that choosing the College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Tech was the right choice, because I can gain knowledge about a wide variety of topics while still focusing on my interest of wildlife.  Additionally, there is the flexibility to move around and change course if my interests and goals change throughout my education here.

              Prior to Virginia Tech, I participated in Key Club, where I volunteered around my community.  My favorite service event, Save the Tails, involved finding foster dogs a happy and healthy home.  I loved participating in this event because I could spend hours playing with dogs, despite the devastation that followed when I realized that I could not take them all home with me.  I also joined Wildlife Club, where we raised money for endangered species, including the leatherback sea turtle.  Spending time with people who had a similar passion for conservation sparked my interest in wildlife even more, and I learned about the wildlife field through our club sponsor as well as research done within the club.

              I intend to participate in similar activities at Virginia Tech, including the Wildlife Club.  I am interested in hearing speakers talk to the club about their different careers, as it will give me more insight on available careers that are possible with a degree in Wildlife Conservation.  I would also love to participate in a graduate students’ research project, such as helping collect data for a study.  The most important aspect of college that I am committed to fulfill is to study abroad, specifically in Antarctica.  Despite the fact that I dream to live on the beach in warm and sunny California, traveling to the tremendously cold climate of Antarctica and observing wildlife in untouched territory sounds incredibly interesting to me. Also, traveling to this deserted continent with a group of my classmates is a once-in-a -lifetime chance.  

              Virginia Tech is the ideal place for me to gain a strong, well-rounded education in the field of Wildlife Conservation.  As the number one ranked College of Natural Resources and Environment in the country, I am confident that I am in the right place.  I am more than excited to start my journey here, and am hopeful that with hard work and an open mind, I will find a path that could lead me to the sea lions basking in the sun in sunny California.  And, if I find that there is somewhere else that I am meant to be, then I’ll know that I have spent my years here well, learning about myself and the world around me.