Q: (Initially posted on December 6, 2002) FROM MENTEE ALEXIS K. IN VA
Since joining GEM SET I have thought a lot about "What I want to be when I
grow up" and I have been paying attention to learning about science,
engineering and technology careers and I have learned a lot about careers I
never knew existed. I am also trying to pay attention to what I enjoy the
most and would like to share some of my ideas and hope that my mentors have
ideas for careers that might match my interests. So here are some things I
really, really enjoy:
I love to observe animals and can do this for long periods of time. I am
never bored when observing their behavior. (What is a naturalist, what do they do, and what schooling(classes?) and how many years (Phd?) would I need
to become a naturalist, is there a high need for people to become
naturalists? What salary range is there for this and are there mostly men
who go into this field?)
I love to write stories but not essays or summaries.
I love to play computer games.
I love to draw.
I love to read good books.
I love to watch movies - the ones I like best are visually pleasing.
I love to learn about wolves, elk, moose, ptarmigan, domestic and free range
horses, peregrine falcons and any predatory birds, and African animals and
underwater reef creatures.
I love playing with dogs.
I left out the things that I get good grades in or am told I am good at. I
just wanted to focus on what I like. Any ideas on what I can "Be" when I
grow up that fits what I love? Thank you for helping me with this!

December 10, 2002
A: FROM MENTOR SNEZANA DALAFAVE IN NJ
A naturalist is a person who studies nature, especially by direct
observation of animals and plants. You like watching, playing with and
learning about animals. To see if this is your "true calling" you could
get a summer job where you could work with animals. Ask your teacher and
librarian for resources. There might be a college or university nearby
(or across the country) that provides such experience for high school
students. Also check the Internet, such as www.nsf.gov. They offer
grants to research institutions, professionals, students,...
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December 10, 2002
A: FROM MENTOR MARTINA CHINTALA IN RI
Alexis, you have already done the hardest part for most people-
figuring out what it is that you like to do! And I must say, my motto
has always been "I will always grow older, but I won't necessarily grow
up." You also sound like a well-rounded individual, which make your
possibilities even greater! I can think of multiple options for you,
and I am a fan of being willing to change what it is that you want to do
or think you can do. Since you love to write, you could be an author of
field guides or nature stories. You could also become a biological or
medical illustrator since you enjoy drawing and watching animals. There
is always the possibility of getting into computer animation or graphics
which can be useful in developing future computer games or movies and
cartoons (here your enjoyment of watching animal behavior could help you
in designing the proper actions of the characters). Since you like to
play with dogs, you could become a dog trainer or veterinarian (you
could always work part time as a vet tech to see if you would like this
occupation or not). The fact that you like to learn about animals does
sound like you would be well suited as a naturalist. A naturalist is
someone who is well versed in natural history of plants and/or animals.
There is a naturalist network at the following web address:
http://www.naturalist.com/. There is also another neat web site:
http://www.nsnaturalist.org/ and http://www.enaturalist.org/. Check
them out. I really don't know how much a naturalist makes, I think that
all depends on whether it is a hobby or a job. I would imagine that it
is a wide range based on education. I think the amount of education
depends on what exactly it is that you want to do as a naturalist (for
ex., if you want to be a tour guide, teacher, researcher, etc.). You
have lots of possibilities- check them out! Good luck.