Courtney Brooks- The Woods

There have been many times throughout my life when I could identify a situation as an informal science experience. The most memorable and impressionable times would have to be the summers I spent at my grandfather's house when I was ages 7-13. He lived in an area surrounded by woods, which I found, was the most interesting place to be. It began my passion for all forms of wildlife. My cousins and I would pretend we were famous explorers as we wondered the wild. I, the most daring, was never afraid to catch snakes, salamanders, toads, or other squirmy critters. I would often bring them back with me and make a substitute habitat in a big container because I had made up my mind, that these were my pets. That is, until my mother would discover the animal I managed to catch and scream at me (esp. if it was a snake) to let it go, mainly because she is petrified of them. I was always trying to examine animal behavior. At the time I just found it cool, but looking back, I would spend hours fascinated by watching a toad eat crickets or collecting frog eggs and waiting for them to hatch. I realized that I was extremely excited about animals during this duration in my life. I wanted to be a veterinarian. Since this time, I have put a lot of thought into my career and have begun exploring medicine. I am still indecisive at this point, but know I have a passion for animals. In my life I have had many animals... snakes, birds [I have actually hatched and raised quails twice], lizards, cats, dogs, a horse, rabbits, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, and once I took care of a baby squirrel for three days...