Upc|473

Things are still a little mixed up. A couple boxes left unpacked here, books piled there. But, for the most part, all is well.

Two changes worth mentioning:

I got a hamster!! The pet store had listed her as a female russian dwarf hamster. But, because of the red eyes and light color, I think she is a dilute. She was mixed in with other non-dilutes. I was told she was the sweetest hamster they have and I believe it. She never squirms too much when I go to pick her up, she is easy to handle and she has yet to bite, or attempt to bite, me.

The other update is that I have made a serious decision as to my career. Although not specific, I know that I will be going into working with animals. Ideally, I would like to work in zoos....but I know that is a very competitive field. I may have to start somewhere else and work myself up.

I have been using most of my spare time researching. Trying to figure out exactly what I would like to do exactly, what I would need to get where I want to be and how I can improve my chances of being accepted over other people.

There is a program up in Moorpark. It is based in a community college but the program isn't as open as a community college is. It is a very good program for what I would need in an education. It is 22 months of education AND hands-on experience. More than 80% of their graduates find jobs in the field in under 6 months. Most of the other 20% go on further in their education.

But they only take 50 people a year.

So, in the meantime, I am going to work on fulfilling the requirements needed to apply for the college. I expect this to take a year or two before I am ready. But, that is ok. I need the time.

Most people who want to become zookeepers go and get an associates or balechors degree. Many get some volunteer experience in. I am hoping to go above and beyond that. The job I will have to do to get where I want to be is a long one. I will be trying to get a job at a pound, animal rehabilitation center, or vet office. I will be working toward getting first-aid training. I will try and obtain a handgun safety certificate and training in tractors and bobcats. I doubt anyone would take me on, but I would like to look into joining a taxon advisory group for one of the animal types that interests me.

Crazy stuff.