I often get asked about what I like to do in my free time. Here are some things (outside of work, of course) that I am passionate about and ultimately make up part of who I am.
Animal Lover
I have always had a passion for animals and animal welfare. I grew up in a household that was home to as many as 13 pets at one time. I observed and took part in multiple animal rescue efforts throughout the years, including work with both wild and domestic animals. Some highlights of my work with animals include:
- Volunteer "Teen Keeper" for Potter Park Zoo (June 2000) I worked for two summers shadowing zookeepers, assisting with summer school programs and maintaining zoo grounds.
- Registered Foster for the Animal Placement Bureau (June 2014) I became a registered foster after taking in a neglected black lab who needed extensive medical treatment. I successfully nursed her back to health and re-homed e-homed her. I am currently taking a break from fostering, but have recently offered pet sitting services for other fosters within the network and occasionally participate in group functions.
- Registered volunteer for Ingham County Animal Control (May 2017) I occasionally participate in functions such as dog-walking and pet socializing.
Wanderer
I have an innate desire to travel the world. In my early years, I spent many winters taking trips with my parents to Gulf Shores, Alabama to visit my grandparents, and Sarasota, Florida, to visit my brother. My family also owned a 31 foot power boat called the Petty Cash, and I spent nearly a year of my life being home-schooled while we traveled the Great Circle Waterway, from Michigan through the Central US to Florida, and back up the Atlantic Coast. I have been blessed to have opportunities to travel and explore the beautiful world that we live in. Some of my favorite US locations include Southern California and Northern Arizona. I have a bucket list with too many destinations to name, but a couple include Australia and New Zealand.