The Unlikely Origins of a Future Nurse by Abigail

The Unlikely Origins of a Future Nurse by Abigail - January 2026 Scholarship Essay

"Tarzan!"
"Tarzan!"
"Swinging on a rubber band!"
"Swinging on a rubber band!"

Walking backwards along the cobblestone pathway, I grin at the twelve little campers who are faithfully repeating the camp song as they follow me through the iconic concrete hills of the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden (CZBG). I continue leading the song at the top of my lungs, and I smile inwardly, thinking of the shy, introverted bookworm I was four years ago. What would she think of this bubbly, confident high schooler that she would one day become? No doubt she would be amazed and incredulous at the sight of her future self wearing a CZBG polo and singing gibberish as she leads a mob of first and second graders through a crowded zoo.

I became a Cincinnati ZooTeen the summer before my freshman year. Up until then, everyone who knew me would have agreed that I was a shy and socially withdrawn person who rarely drew attention to myself. Conversing with strangers seemed like an incredible feat of bravery, and I didn’t do it often. My plan since middle school had been to become a zookeeper so that I could spend more time with animals than with people. I had initially joined the ZooTeen program without fully understanding all that it entailed. I just loved animals and figured that a zoo was the place for me to be. Little did I know, I had signed up for a professional development program with a significant emphasis on public speaking and leadership.

On my first Visitor Engagement shift, I stood by the giraffe habitat, sweating more from nerves than from the oppressive Cincinnati humidity. My stomach felt like it was performing an Olympic gymnastics routine. I had feverishly studied the giraffe info sheet the night before and had even made a little reference card in case I forgot anything. Prepared as I was, I still half hoped I wouldn’t have to talk to anyone.

However, being in a Zoo uniform meant that guests came straight to me if they had a question or needed help. I did my best, trying to appear professional and friendly. After eight hours of standing and smiling nervously in the heat, I was exhausted, but proud of myself. I had survived a whole day of talking to strangers, confronting my biggest fear. I decided that, despite the nerves, I had enjoyed my day of Visitor Engagement and was excited to go back. I liked having the ability to enhance guests' visits to the zoo by sharing an interesting tidbit or assisting with directions to a specific habitat. Throughout the rest of my time volunteering, I constantly challenged myself, gradually inching out of my introverted shell. The ZooTeen program allowed me to discover and develop a multitude of new strengths, especially public speaking and leadership. Four summers and 630 volunteer hours later, I emerged as an utterly changed person.

Although I still enjoy my quiet time, being surrounded by people now makes me happy instead of anxious. I used to be reserved and shy around strangers; now, I lead camp songs at the top of my lungs throughout a crowded zoo. I used to listen to people speak in public and wonder in awe how they could do it; now I expound upon the many wonderful qualities of vampire bats in front of groups of guests. I used to stand in the background and let others take the lead; now, I mentor new ZooTeens and cheer them on as they have their first interactions with guests.

My younger self would never have believed she could be who I am today. Far from introverted now, I have unearthed a passion for being with and helping other people. This has led me to choose a career that is not-zoo related at all, but probably just as “wild”. With the people skills and confidence unearthed during my time volunteering, I am prepared to enter the field of nursing and provide compassionate care to patients in need.

Word Count: 668