Why did I choose Wolfwood?
My decision to apply for an internship at Wolfwood Refuge is somewhat eluded from my memory. In this sense, it almost feels like I didn't choose Wolfwood,but that it chose me. It may sound incredibly cliche, (and I laugh at myself as I write it), but it comes from a place of immense gratitude and honesty. Never could I have asked for a more amazing internship; a place of work where I could pursue my interests and passions, (that being the wolves, and of course the people I'm working with.)
My fascination with wolves first started in seventh grade. I remember the scene perfectly. Math was my first period of the day, and a substitute had come in for our teacher. She brought with her chai, and instead of doing math, we watched a BBC Planet Earth episode. The opening scene was of great herd of caribou and their calves migrating across the tundra of Ellesmere Island. Behind them, a pack of 8-10 white, arctic wolves were stalking them. As the wolves attacked, I sat there at my desk in utter captivation. There was such an awesome power and stamina to their stature. An incredible prowess that immediately entranced me into a state of wonder and hair-raising goosebumps. I don't remember the whole scene, but I distinctly remember having an immediate respect for the predators. Most importantly though, something about their presence, (even if just on screen), had the ability to transgress a wild spirit into my heart. Something light, powerful, magnificent, and connected. Ever since then, a quiet passion and interest has evolved inside of me. I started reading news clippings on wolves, reading books, and listening carefully when wolves came up as a topic in conversation or broadcast.
Yet before, I hadn't expressed any of it. It's been somewhat of a sacred and personal existence of mine that I liked to keep quiet. Now though, I will have the ability to actually be around them, in complete physicality, and share my love for the animals within a community of other people who care just as much, and probably even more, about them. With interning at Wolfwood Refuge, I have come from a state of awareness about my passion and connection with wolves, into a state of action. This being the greatest gift of all, something that I've dreamt of since 7th grade, and never thought I would actually reach. The feeling of going beyond the point of dreaming and crossing into the wake of following your passion in reality is, for me, one of the most life-changing experiences a person could have.
My fascination with wolves first started in seventh grade. I remember the scene perfectly. Math was my first period of the day, and a substitute had come in for our teacher. She brought with her chai, and instead of doing math, we watched a BBC Planet Earth episode. The opening scene was of great herd of caribou and their calves migrating across the tundra of Ellesmere Island. Behind them, a pack of 8-10 white, arctic wolves were stalking them. As the wolves attacked, I sat there at my desk in utter captivation. There was such an awesome power and stamina to their stature. An incredible prowess that immediately entranced me into a state of wonder and hair-raising goosebumps. I don't remember the whole scene, but I distinctly remember having an immediate respect for the predators. Most importantly though, something about their presence, (even if just on screen), had the ability to transgress a wild spirit into my heart. Something light, powerful, magnificent, and connected. Ever since then, a quiet passion and interest has evolved inside of me. I started reading news clippings on wolves, reading books, and listening carefully when wolves came up as a topic in conversation or broadcast.
Yet before, I hadn't expressed any of it. It's been somewhat of a sacred and personal existence of mine that I liked to keep quiet. Now though, I will have the ability to actually be around them, in complete physicality, and share my love for the animals within a community of other people who care just as much, and probably even more, about them. With interning at Wolfwood Refuge, I have come from a state of awareness about my passion and connection with wolves, into a state of action. This being the greatest gift of all, something that I've dreamt of since 7th grade, and never thought I would actually reach. The feeling of going beyond the point of dreaming and crossing into the wake of following your passion in reality is, for me, one of the most life-changing experiences a person could have.