Summary-Response+Paper

Through interviews with marine biologist Janet Mason and zoologist Brian Moore, I have learned that life will throw you many curve balls, but if you want something badly enough, somehow you will end up doing just that. Although both interviewees are apart of different strains of marine oriented jobs, both gave similar answers. Both Mason and Moore commented that getting into this career field was very challenging; there is a surplus of interest and a lack of positions. Both held various job positions before landing their current jobs. However, they say when you finally break into the field, it is quite rewarding; there is job security with many benefits, not to mention the rewarding experience. As Moore stated, “There is no better feeling than to help an animal in need and get that animal back out to the wild”(Moore). I learned that in this type of career, the typical day really is not that typical. Things such as data can change in a marine biologist’s day, causing them to have to further research the new development; in a zoologist’s day, new animals can become stranded on the beach, calling for spontaneous surgeries and other medical procedures. Both interviewees //strongly // suggested that I engage in volunteer work with animals. According to Moore, “Experience is the only way into this field” (Moore). Also, they hinted that the more volunteer work I complete, the easier my college courses would be considering that the majority of zoology courses involve hands on work. Another frequently mentioned fact is that opportunities will always present themselves. However, both Moore and Manson agreed that these opportunities showed themselves at unexpected times. I was advised not to lose hope or my passion for this career, and that if I worked hard enough and continued to pursue my dreams, plenty of promising opportunities would arise. As Mason and Moore answered my questions, they always made an effort to stress that life would not go how I have planned it to go, and that was ok. They both reminded me that eventually I would end up where I would be the happiest, and doing what I have had a long term passion for.

After completing these interviews, I am even more excited about life after high school. For awhile, I have been floating between the idea of becoming a marine biologist or a zoologist; I did not really know what either job was like, but I had always been interested in them. After hearing the descriptions from both Mrs. Mason and Mr. Moore, I think I am starting to lead more towards zoology. Mason’s field of marine biology turned out to be different from what I thought it would be; instead of working with animals, she works on compiling data about success of fishing in certain areas. I do not find too much interest in Mason’s field because I have never had that much of a passion for compiling data; although I can appreciate that her work is very valuable in keeping fish populations from dropping too low. However, I really enjoyed interviewing Ms. Mason. She got her bachelor’s degree from UC Santa Cruz, which is one of my top schools. She cleared up many of my concerns regarding what the school was like, and what I might be doing while majoring in marine biology. I also thought her advice, “…get good college training in many aspects of marine biology and ecology…” (Mason), was very helpful because I have been worrying about which kinds of courses to take in college in order to do well in this career. She was even kind enough to refer me to some websites that had volunteering opportunities with marine wildlife for this summer. I was quite excited to interview Mr. Moore; it was a pleasant coincidence that he was also from Colorado, so it made me feel like he could relate to my situation better. One reason I was so interested in interviewing Mr. Moore was because of the facility he works at called the National Marine Life Center; I recently discovered this non-profit and have been obsessed with it ever since because of the amazing work they have done with animals. When I read the answers Mr. Moore emailed me, hundreds of new questions sprouted up in my mind. I find his work so thrilling and fascinating; I actually cannot believe how interested I have become in his job. Mr. Moore’s interview was much more helpful in clearing up my indecisiveness about which part of the marine science field to enter. As Moore began telling me more about his job which involves hands on interaction with animals, he informed me that “The National Marine Life Center is a nonprofit marine animal rehabilitation hospital. We care for sick and injured marine animals. We also teach conservation and conduct research” (Moore). Until this point I had been very confused whether or not I wanted to go into marine conservation or zoology or become an animal trainer, but after I read this description, everything fell into place. I finally realized that the work the NMLC was performing was the //exact // line of work I have always been dreaming about. This piece of information fueled my interest in Mr. Moore and the NMLC. One of my favorite questions that Moore answered was about his most memorable moments on the job, and he said it is quite rewarding when, “…you rescue an animal that would have inevitably died on the beach and return it to the ocean” (Moore). Moore’s passion for saving animals has made me so excited to get my education and get out into the world and do the same thing. I was very passionate about helping animals before, but Mr. Moore’s opinions have fueled that passion to the next level; I am happy to say that I will most likely stay in contact with Mr. Moore. I found that one piece of advice that he gave really hit home. When I asked him about going into this kind of career field and the challenges it presents, Moore told me that “The opportunity will arise if you want it to. Just work hard and never burn bridges, because the person you knew a few years ago may turn out to be the one that helps you get the job you want in the future” (Moore). I am very grateful that we were assigned this project because it helped me much more than I expected it to. Mr. Moore taught me to make sure to be kind to people, because I may need their help in the future. He, along with Ms. Mason, taught me that if I give up my passion for the ocean and its creatures, I will never get anywhere in this field. They also enlightened me to the fact that the journey would be hard, but when I arrived at where I wanted to be, it would be one of the most rewarding aspects of my life. 