Home || Sweet Home About Us Staff Jesi Volunteer Viewpoint
Volunteer Viewpoint
It’s amazing how one moment can change your life forever. A lot of people have said that they’re glad 2009 is over – that 2010 will be the year of change. For me, 2009 wasn’t so bad – in some aspects, anyway. It was in early 2009 that I became a volunteer for the Avian Reconditioning Center.
As a lifelong animal lover, the chance to work in veterinary medicine has been a dream come true. It never occurred to me to branch out beyond the comfort of my office, though – Volunteering was something other people had time for, I had my plate filled already! That school of thought went right out the window when, in October of 2008, ARC literally walked into my life.
I was hooked right away by what Avian Reconditioning Center stands for, their methods and beliefs and how much they invest into each individual bird that flies into their lives. What started as budding interest quickly grew into passionate fascination and through the following months, I felt an undeniable draw – a calling - to do more than just hang around on a Saturday afternoon, watching from the other side of the picnic table.
2009 brought me my first opportunity to step out as a volunteer and in the course
of the year I had learned and done more than I could ever imagine. Being able to handle – let alone be close to – some of the nation’s most recognizable wild birds is a privilege and a thrill that never gets old. Talking to people young and old and watching the look of amazement on their faces when you share some oft-forgotten fact, knowing you’ve done something to change the way the public sees wildlife, it charges your batteries.
The best part of this story is that doesn’t end here – 2010 is a new year, and it’s bound to be filled with more adventures, more opportunities, more human lives touched and more avian lives saved. I’m looking forward to it.
This article was originally featured in the Avian Reconditioning Center's Winter 2010 'Branching Out' Newsletter. For information on volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, or to sign up for the Branching Out newsletter, visit www.ARC4Raptors.org or call 407-461-1056.
Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites
Summer is here! If your pet must be outside during the summer months, make sure that shade and clean, fresh water is available at all times.
Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health, the relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.