TRACY ROGERS - RITZMANN APPLICATION ESSAY

Tracy Rogers, a student at Northeastern University and participant of the CIEE Study Center in Monteverde this spring, was selected as the recipient of the Jennifer Ritzmann Scholarship for 2003.  Tracy's winning essay is below.

Personal Disclaimer:

Two little birds, named Jeremy Sullivan and Robin Elahi, have debriefed me on their experience in this program. I learned of how rigorous and intensive this program is and it made me love the idea even more.  I understand how committed an applicant needs to be and I am prepared to accept the challenge.

……………..The Future….…………………………………….…...……….

A Ph.D. is what I want to be

Tropical Ecology or maybe Wildlife Biology,

truthfully, both would make me happy.

it would begin in the autumn of 2004

the field work and crazy hours would never seem like a chore

                                as long as there were topics to ponder

                                and people to laugh with-

                                                it couldn't possibly be a bore

time in the lab

wouldn't be so bad…

…either.

…..A serious note, if I may…………………………………………………….

Ultimately, I see myself as a Principal Investigator at a university teaching and guiding students.  I want to develop my skills as a field researcher and share that with students whom are as motivated and excited about wildlife conservation as I am.  Regardless, I do want to teach whether it is as a mentor, a guide or a traditional instructor.  I want to improve my teaching ability as I continue to advance my Spanish speaking ability to convey information in a different forum.

………………….Personally Speaking……………………………………….

The thrill of class work…………………………………………………………

Environmental and Population Biology,

Wildlife Biology, Zoology, Paleontology -just to name a few

these classes were terrific…

but the real world experience gave me a clearer view.

lab work and field trips were so much better

the sampling, identification,

 and wildlife management

without these inspirations…

                          I wouldn't be writing this letter.

………….my professional life………………….……………………………….

At the New England Aquarium, I cared for the animals and learned how they behaved and interacted with their controlled environment.  By examining these microcosms I was able to grasp the bigger, global, picture easier.

I also educated the general public.  I gained an appreciation for those whom are unaware and have a misinterpretation of marine life and, the environment in general.  I enjoyed teaching and developing programs that helped them understand our world better.  While talking about these same microcosms, I was able to open some of their eyes to the macrocosm which, was the most rewarding aspect.

            As an Assistant Zookeeper, I worked closely with Tropical Forest animals including primates, birds, reptiles and hoofstock.  Working with captive animals in their safe man-made habitats made me realize how threatened the wild animals are.  The resources are diminishing and it allowed me to "put a face" to the animals at risk in the wild.  

            I believe I have found that my passion in life is interacting with all living creatures.  I believe this program will make me grow by experiencing true field research.  If accepted I plan to put all of my energy into my work while having fun.  I genuinely know that I can add liveliness, a sense of humor and a curiosity about everything there is to learn from your program.