Sometimes all it takes is a simple sentence to change your perspective
By Donica - 8 week intern
Just a few days into the start of my internship, I had a conversation with a staff member where she asked me if I refer to myself as a zoologist as she struggles to feel comfortable using the title while not practicing the science. I answered “No,” and explained that I felt the same—that if I am not doing the work then I don’t feel like I can call myself a scientist.
I am currently a Master’s student studying Animal Behavior and Welfare and have never actually considered myself an official zoologist. In my mind my occupation is ‘student’, and I held this same belief even after completing my bachelor’s degree in Zoology. I never awarded myself the title because I was convinced that I didn’t deserve it yet. I wasn’t observing animals in the wild, nor have I published any papers…in my mind I was far from a real zoologist.
She mentioned this being a form of imposter syndrome and I quietly thought that over for a bit. It wasn’t that I felt I shouldn’t be in this field, but more so that I needed more valid opportunities to have earned the title. But what even qualifies one as a zoologist?
The thing is though, is that I had been doing the work—not only obtaining another degree in the same field, but also actively collecting behavioral data on the elephants! What qualifies as a zoologist if not that?
But even then, subconsciously I labelled myself strictly as just an ‘intern’--still limiting myself and disregarding the very real fieldwork and research I was doing.
Those limiting beliefs changed one day when new guests came, and during a hike someone asked about an insect. My coordinator, Lucía, responded, “You can ask our interns, they are zoologists!” and right then my mindset shifted. Being referred to as the title that I denied myself for so long was so validating and exciting. Having another peer in the biological field recognize and trust in your abilities was something I did not realize would be so transformative because from that moment on my doubts dissolved and I began thinking to myself, “You know what? I am a zoologist. This is quite literally what they do!”
Without the reflection prompted by Emily, and the acknowledgement provided by Lucía I honestly don’t know when I would have personally awarded myself that title, even with degrees to prove it. I think it only would have been once I began my career and felt I deserved it. But I tend to forget that what I am doing now is my career; this is the development. And with my second degree almost complete I should not downplay my qualifications.
With that being said, my time at KSES was nothing short of the best adventure of my life. The people you meet here—Rose, Celia, Lucía, Kanda, and Cristina—will change your life forever (in the best of ways). Outside of the amazing friendships I formed, the laughs we shared on a daily basis, and the cultural exchange, I got to explore my biggest passion. Since I was little, I have always wanted to be like the wildlife scientists I saw on Animal Planet, working in the wild and teaching others about it. I can safely say that this was exactly that and more thanks to the staff here. I am very grateful and so proud to be able to say that I am living Little Me’s dream; I’m a zoologist!
