Global Sustainability Story submitted by Jaimi McPeek of Florida, USA
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I was brought up in a family where rescue and helping animals were emphasized. My family and I would rescue any animal that was in need of care ranging from cats, dogs, mice, chinchillas, gerbils, rabbits, birds, etc. I was the value of animals at such a young age, that their well-being has always been a part of me. At the age of 6, my mom made me a member of WWF and I have been one ever since. I grew up with this organization and always had an extreme admiration for them.
I always empathized with animals and had a special connection with them. If I saw an animal in need, I felt it was my duty to help. An example of this is when I was a sophomore in high school. One day in school, a bird flew into a window. My teacher wanted everyone to go outside and take a picture. I called my mom crying because this was nothing to gawk at and take pictures of; this bird was hurt. School was almost over, but I insisted on staying. I waited for my mom to bring a box which we filled with seeds, water, a branch, and a towel. The teacher thought I was crazy, but I wasn’t going to let this bird suffer. My mom and I took him to a bird sanctuary where he could get healthy again.
I could go on and on about these kinds of stories, but one more that I would like to share involves scuba diving. I learned to scuba dive at age 12 and became certified at age 15 because I discovered such an intense fascination and awe of our marine world. I now have my advanced open water certification and teamed up with ICARE and Coral Restoration Foundation to plant coral reef nurseries.
I decided to major in environmental science in college and my passion grew even stronger the more that I learned. I learned about a variety of topics ranging from deforestation, plastics, the fashion industry, the ocean, environmental health, environmental hazards, geology, hydrology, soil health, etc.. After learning all of this, I thought to myself “How can I not help this planet? This planet is all that we and these animals have.” I came full circle with my 6-year-old self when I happily accepted a position to be a WWF Panda Ambassador where I get the community involved with WWF’s mission to protect this planet. Knowing what I know now from school and my own research, I am eager and determined to help save this planet and the beautiful creatures that make it up. My career goals are to make a difference; and to be the voice for the voiceless. I want to protect, preserve, and conserve our biodiversity. I can’t think of a more fulfilling life to lead than having that as my career. That is my heart.
My time as a Panda Ambassador has been invaluable. I am connected with an amazing group of people who all share the same passion and drive as me. We all work together and help each other to make the world a better place. I have gotten majorly involved in my community hosting clean-ups and seminars. I am known as the local environmental scientist and even have my own mailing list for my upcoming events. I am speaking at a high school about microplastics soon and hosting a Halloween-themed clean-up called HalloCLEAN. I have branched outside of my comfort zone and have truly made a difference. I have brought people in my community together to help and I have impacted many others with my knowledge. I feel blessed to be able to say that I can do this. Not to mention that I have learned so much from WWF whether that be from talking to other Panda Ambassadors, talking to my supervisors, attending our monthly meetings, or getting other opportunities not available to the public. I am excited to see how much more I can grow and help.
Jaimi McPeek
Global Sustainability Story Submission
Learn more about WWF’s Panda Ambassador Program Here: https://www.worldwildlife.org/pages/panda-ambassador
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