Young Lilly,
Sorry that we could not make to your graduation party. But Congratulations upon your 2nd graduation and as I understand it – there will be a third graduation in a couple of years or so. All of this with the end goal of working at a zoo. Some would say that being on campus at the University of Tennessee is like being at a zoo – so that should give you some experience. However, I don't know that I would put that on my resume.
Now you are leaving the walls of academia where all things are possible, and preparing to enter the real world where yeah all things are possible I guess – but not very probable. I recall one of my college professors stating that you will only use about 10% of what you have learned at school. And I found that to be true. College does give you a good foundation of knowledge, but more importantly it teaches you to learn. So you will be learning how things operate in the real world of zoo's or whatever fauna based endeavor you choose to pursue. Academia will get you so far and get your foot in door, but once you get that 1st job, your real education begins.
Now I have given thought to your goal of working at a zoo. If they offer you the job of working with tigers, I would decline that – no sense losing an arm or a leg. And elephants – cleaning up after them would be hard on the back. I would offer to the zoo that they allow you to set up Lilly's guppy world. No chance of being bitten or stomped on and the clean up is easy. And no artificial limbs or back braces in your future!
But seriously your 20's are your on ramp to a career. It is easy to start, stop, and try something else. You may do very well with your original goal, but keep your mind open. Lots of people start in one career, find something more unique, more challenging, or let's face it – something that pays better. So be ready to switch if an opportunity presents itself. Your peak earning years are in your 30's and 40's, so by the time you are 30 you should have locked in on a career path.
Also I would do apartments and rent so that you are flexible. You may start at some little outfit in say Wisconsin and then a job opens up at the San Diego zoo. So you want to be nimble so you can take advantage of an opportunity when it presents itself. Also you can try different areas and find places that suits your style. Once you get the right job in the right place, then you can put down roots.
Well I sure that you will treat this graduation letter as you did your last one... gone forever I am sure. But also enclosed is a check – enjoy.
