Lauren Lee

The mind, once stretched by a new idea, never returns to its original dimensions. Ralph Waldo Emerson Up until acceptance into Project Dragonfly in 2016, I had been focused on entering the veterinary field because like many young animal lovers, I figured it would be my best option of having a career with animals. After years as an veterinary assistant, I realized being in a hospital all day did not fulfill all of my interests. Ive always been entranced by nature, and when I started to really question my path, a veterinarian that I work alongside was in the program and shared her experiences with me-she highlighted the flexibility, the action and growth opportunities unique to the program. At this point I re-assessed my life and what I wanted. I became a conservation educator at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. As an educator, I was put in a unique position to utilize a living collection of animals to inspire them towards environmental stewardship. These encounters began to inspire me more on ways I could make a difference in my community. Being a Project Dragonfly student has given me the opportunity to choose my own path through first hand research. Personally, I have integrated myself more into the world of conservation by creating lesson plans and programs for students abroad in Indonesia, and soon, Vietnam on conservation of species in their homes. Education is a powerful tool, one that seems simple and feasible but will result in change and hopefully resonate long term. Building up from the foundation is one of the best ways to inspire the next generation to appreciate our natural world. I want to do my part in giving back to the beautiful world we live in even if its one tree at a time. I gained an appreciation for life across the world and hope to be an environmental ambassador for others!