Brittany G.

When I first started college, I was studying to be a veterinarian. During my second year with my pre-vet degree course, I made the hard decision to take a break from college as I was struggling financially and ultimately mentally. I took a gap year and researched different jobs that involved helping or caring for animals. Wildlife rehab was the job the stood out the most as I felt it matched with my personal beliefs. I felt as though I would make a bigger difference working with wildlife since there are negative stigmas against certain species. I wanted to help teach the public the importance l of every living creature.

My new goal was to finish my degree but instead go to a community college where I did not have the pressure of class mates excelling faster than me or seeing me as drop out. Community college was also cheaper and allowed me to still work full time. I changed my major to biology so it was more diverse in case wildlife rehab did not work out. I emailed a dozen rehabbers/facilities asking them how I can get involved or the steps to take to pursue my own organization. I learned that experience is key so I was determined to started volunteering once I figured out my life and college schedule.

I applied for my first internship in 2018. It was 45 minutes away but the closest wildlife rehab facility to my home. I interviewed with Nature’s Nursery and fell in love with the innovative alternatives to veterinary medicine. I loved the place so much that I was determined to volunteer there if I did not get accepted into the internship program. Later I would accept it and I continued to ask questions and learn more every day. I would then be offered a part time position, and then soon after full time position after that.

Today I am still with Nature’s Nursery. We are achieving so many great things in this small farmhouse. And soon we will be on a bigger better building!