Student Spotlight: Exploring the World Beyond Books
On an early morning in the rainforest of Costa Rica, 17 year old Lexi A. joined a cohort of volunteers to discuss the day ahead. Their tasks – cleaning cages, preparing food, and caring for re-release animals – were the reason for their shared space at the Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary. The day would end with an evening activity of collecting leaves and branches for the sanctuary enclosures, a quick trip out into the trees. Each volunteer there had a distinct role to play, whether they were a veterinary intern, a wildlife care intern, or an orphan care intern, but they all had one thing in common – passion for wildlife conservation.
“My passion for wildlife conservation started when my eyes were opened to the human impacts harming wildlife every day from social media,” explains Lexi, Visions student and wildlife intern. “I actively worked to find out more about what is happening and how I can help.”
Before she was traipsing through Costa Rican rainforests, Lexi was volunteering at her local cat shelter spending time with cats in need. But with a desire to help on an even bigger scale, and still deep in her educational journey, Lexi knew she needed an alternative school model that would allow her time and space to continue her volunteer work. Lexi came to Visions during the second semester of last year, and in our University Prep Academy, has been able to expand her educational and volunteer opportunities.
“It wasn’t until becoming a student at Visions that I have been able to embrace the [volunteer] experience and spend my time learning the way of veterinary medicine,” says Lexi. “I have been able to foster neonatal kittens that need 24/7 attention and bottle feeding every 2-3 hours because of the flexible schedule Visions provided. I have also been able to take college courses that align with my overall goals, such as Introduction to Zoology and Introduction to Mammalogy.”
At Visions, Lexi has the time, freedom, and flexibility to pursue her passion for animal care while continuing her educational journey. With the support from her Counselor, Julie Winalski, and teacher, Toby Spencer, Lexi has also been able to work toward her eventual career path by taking college courses through our Dual Enrollment program.
“My counselor Julie Winalski has been one of the most supportive parts of my high school career. She has not only helped me with enrolling [in] college classes but, she has also guided me through college applications and planning for my future,” Lexi shares. “Toby Spencer, my Advocacy teacher, has been so supportive of my goals and has made himself available for any guidance that I have needed!”
“Working with Lexi has been such a pleasure,” Julie shares. “In every conversation, her passion for working with animals truly shines. She’s already done some impressive work with the Sierra Club, Women in Wildlife, and by founding a new wildlife and conservation club at Visions. I have no doubt she’ll continue to pursue future opportunities with the same confidence and enthusiasm she’s shown as a student at Visions In Education. I’m excited to see where her journey takes her next!”
Getting Involved
Lexi’s love of animals and wildlife care has only expanded since coming to Visions, resulting in her internship in Costa Rica, involvement in the aforementioned organization Women In Wildlife, which works to amplify and connect more women and non-binary persons in the wildlife industry worldwide, and even the founding of her own organization.
“It was through my own research that I learned about the impacts [we] are facing and I decided to create an organization dedicated to youth empowerment in wildlife conservation, animal rights, and environmental justice called Eco Peace Nation,” says Lexi. “This has helped me discover that there are things I can do to help and pushed my passion for helping…animals.”
Her three weeks abroad solidified that belief for Lexi, giving her hands-on experience in one of the fields she’s most passionate about. From eating authentic Costa Rican meals to loving on sloths, Lexi’s work with wildlife in the world is only just beginning.
“This experience taught me so much about wildlife conservation and what really working in the field looks like,” says Lexi. “The vets, interns, volunteers, and staff are all very informed on wildlife conservation and how we can protect these animals in the wild.”
Check out some photos from Lexi’s time in Costa Rica below!
(Wild)life’s Work
Lexi’s desire underneath all that she does is simple – to help. Whether it’s nature, women, or wildlife, Lexi hopes to inspire kids like her to give back.
“I hope to not only inspire women and promote their stories in the industry but also youth, because the issues can feel so far out of reach for many, preventing them from getting involved. I want to change this and promote youth and especially young women in the wildlife field, highlighting jobs, educational opportunities, struggles, and more.”
Lexi is an amazing role model for other students who want to get involved in wildlife conservation, dedicated to sharing her passion and even making it her profession.
“I hope to attend a UC school pursuing a degree in Zoology or Ecology & Evolutionary Biology for pre-veterinary studies. While in college I hope to work in a veterinary clinic or wildlife rehabilitation center and pursue internships dedicated to wildlife conservation before entering vet school.”
But before that, Lexi will be heading back to Costa Rica to continue her work with Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary as a veterinary intern. An extremely selective program, Lexi is excited for the opportunity to work directly in the clinic helping injured and orphaned wildlife.
“I decided to enroll at Visions because of the flexibility,” says Lexi. “[Visions] allowed me to expand my volunteer responsibilities [and] pursue my passion for wildlife conservation while enhancing my educational opportunities.”
“My favorite memory from Costa Rica was getting to know the animals. Specifically, there is a kinkajou named Jimmy who is partially blind and has neurological damage, making him unable to release. My favorite memories with him are being able to train him with food and enrichment. He is nocturnal, but comes out during the day when he sees the other animals being fed, so giving him a snack was very cute.”
Pictured right: Jimmy!
