Hello WUSC blog readers!

Posted by Katherine P on July 29th, 2009

My name is Kate Poulsen, I am a fourth year student enrolled at the University of Lethbridge in their Human Resources and Labour Relations Management program, and pursuing a minor in Social Responsibility.
As a child I decided that I was going to be a Marine Biologist, Zoologist or Vet, in High School drama caught my attention, consequently when I entered University I ended up feeling lost. So I took a couple years off Uni and worked to save money, and went traveling. I traveled around SE Asia, which was a fantastic experience. I caught the travel bug and have taken every opportunity since to travel and learn about different cultures and myself. Upon returning, I eventually decided to go into Management, as I thought it allowed me extreme flexibility in my career. After a year the Uni started to offer a minor in Social Responsibility which is where I found my niche. I have developed a passion for environmental and wildlife conservation. Last year I volunteered at a Wildlife Sanctuary in Australia, I was able to learn about the local wildlife and plants as well as make friends with people from all over the world. I have some great memories, including making up many songs about the sanctuary.
The next semester I started applying for conservation jobs though the UofL Coop program, when I saw a posting in Botswana doing conservation work, it sounded perfect. My interest in this position is three fold; one is working and learning about wildlife, another is working in environmental conservation, and the other is the opportunity to travel to another country and experience the culture and broaden my personal awareness. My official title is Environmental Education Officer, I expect that my duties will vary, but I am aware that I will be working in their Education Centre working to promote conservation education, assessing the effectiveness of current programs for visitors, perhaps web design, and others. I hope to be able to work directly with the animals, and learn enough to be able to teach visitors to the reserve. I also hope to work on their “green” projects such as the Grey Water and permaculture projects. Working at Mokolodi will gain me valuable experience for my career objective of working on “green” development in businesses, while gaining me international work experience.
I am very excited to meet everyone working and volunteering at Mokolodi I think working with like-minded people, who are also interested in conservation will be very fulfilling for me.
I am excited to jump all in to a new experience!

Posted in Botswana, Pre-departure, SWB