From volunteer to vital team member, this high school senior is making waves - literally and figuratively - at MDWFP’s Mississippi Museum of Natural Science!
Whether drenched in rain mid-kayak with a group of campers or helping keep the park clean and welcoming, this spotlighted staffer brings energy, curiosity, and a love of wildlife to everything he does. With a passion for fashion, basketball, and conservation, his journey proves you don’t have to wait until college to make a difference.
Meet one of the youngest rising stars of our museum team and see how one volunteer opportunity turned into a mission to protect Mississippi’s natural wonders.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR MDWFP’S MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE?
I've worked at the museum for a year now.
ANY FUNNY WORK STORIES?
My funniest work story was when I was with a summer camp at Roosevelt State Park and we went on the lake to kayak.
We were all deep in the lake and it suddenly started pouring down on us and we weren't close to the shore. I was fully dressed in my work attire and completely drenched in water.
We got to the nearest land and waited for the rain to stop but since we were already soaked we just took a swim in the lake until we could kayak back to the other side!
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND EDUCATION
I'm currently an upcoming senior at Northwest Rankin High School.
I love to play basketball and I am obsessed with fashion, design, and, of course, wildlife.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS CAREER?
I started off volunteering at the museum and started to learn about science and MIssissippi's wildlife.
I fell in love with it and was very passionate about it. I showed up every day ready to work and learn.
HOW DOES YOUR JOB CONTRIBUTE TO CONSERVATION?
By picking up trash throughout the Park/ Playground and the parking lot. Also maintaining the landscaping around the park.
ANY ADVICE FOR A STUDENT INTERESTED IN A BIOLOGY OR MUSEUM CAREER?
I recommend doing some volunteer work so you can gradually learn more about the museum and our purpose.
You will meet lots of experienced people here that can help you along that path.