More than a number: Q+A with student Amber

How did you decide on the Zoo Management pathway as opposed to other options?

After I left school I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do. Animals have always been a passion, and I got a job working with cats and dogs. That made me want to learn more about a wider range of animals. I hadn’t been to school for five years before I started here, so I was a bit nervous to go straight into a university degree. That’s why a foundation degree that was very practical was especially appealing. This one sparked my attention compared to other universities because it felt so much more personal, and you study with a smaller group of people. I really struggle with being just a number.

How did you decide on the Zoo Management pathway as opposed to other options?

I like the fact you can do a focused course at Merrist Wood. A lot of universities just do a Zoology course, which incorporates a lot of different things, especially biology. Equally, I’m passionate about wildlife and conservation, but I don’t want that to be the focus of my learning. I wasn’t sure between Zoo Management and Animal Behaviour and Welfare as they both have aspects I know I’m really interested in – which is animal behaviour and the hands-on zoo side. I chose Zoo Management because it felt like the best fit, but I was told I could switch to a different pathway while I’m studying. Knowing that really takes the pressure off too.

You’re from South Africa – why did you decide Merrist Wood was the place for you?

It sounds really silly coming from South Africa to study animals! But there are no courses like this in South Africa. I’ve always been very passionate about animals, but I didn’t really know what I wanted to do yet or how to get into working with animals. I thought I’d come over to England and work a little bit first to get to know the work environment. After a couple of years, I found out I could get a student loan. So I started researching courses, and when I found the animal management courses at Merrist Wood, it felt literally perfect. It’s really cool that I can do what I’m passionate about here but not in South Africa!

What has the learning environment been like so far?

The smaller class sizes mean you get to know your teachers really well. They know your strengths and weakness and so they can really help you. When I was in high school with 8,000 other students, I really struggled with that. The learning environment is so good here at Merrist Wood. You take what you learn in class and actually use it for practical things. I’m more of a practical learner; I think most people on this course are. I can’t really sit in the classroom all day and take everything in. It’s really cool how the teachers will just say, ‘Ok, let’s go!’ and we’ll go outside and observe an animal or do something different. I feel like you definitely need that practice if you want to work with animals in the future.

Do you have group discussions about animals?

Yes, but debating things in class doesn’t feel like an argument – it feels like a safe space for you to be able to share your opinions. You learn a lot from each other and the teachers like this. I started this course with quite an anti-zoo approach and wanting to understand more about the ethics – and I have completely changed my opinions on a lot of things. The lecturers do a really good job at delving into all our points and finding similarities between them. We’re all on the course for a reason and fighting for the same thing, which is animal rights and welfare. It’s important not to be scared to have these conversations. When I was younger, I never put my hand up in class, and I never asked questions. I’ve started doing that here, because I feel valued.

How else do you feel listened to at Merrist Wood?

What’s great is that your ideas can actually be put into practice here. I brought up an egg enrichment idea for meerkats in class once. The next week, our lecturer James – who teaches the class – brought in a bunch of plastic eggs, and our whole class started implementing the enrichment. We observed changes in the meerkats’ behaviour as a result of it too. The fact the teachers listen to you and give you a chance to bring things to life is great.

How do you balance studying with everything else you need to do in your life?

You have plenty of time to complete all the assignments – the timescales are all really realistic. Most people here have jobs, children and other things going on – we all have lives. I have a part-time job at a kennel and cattery, and I thought having a job and being a student was going to be difficult, but I’ve actually found it really easy. We only have to be at Merrist Wood for the teaching two days a week, which really helps. That leaves me the rest of the week to do my assignments and work.

What ideas are you currently exploring for your future career?

This course has helped me narrow down my ideas, especially through work experience. I initially wanted to work as a zookeeper, but in the last few months I’ve become interested in a medicated veterinary career, or something related to animal rescue and rehabilitation. I change my mind a lot, but having different experiences through this course definitely helps you see what you do and don’t like.

What would you say to students considering an animal management course at Merrist Wood?

Don’t hesitate to learn. I hated school and I wasnever academic. Now I’m getting 70s in my assignments and I’m getting noticed for the work I was never getting appreciated for at school. That makes me work harder too. There is always going to be someone to help you at a moment’s notice here – there’s a lot of help and you’re not just a number. I think a lot of people doubt themselves. I did for five years, until I had the courage to apply for this course. Now I’d tell anyone: study the thing that you’re passionate for!