Sarah New: RISE Scholarship Recipient

At the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, we understand the importance of diversity...human, animal, or otherwise. And it's an understanding that compels us to create a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive environment for our guests and team members.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s RISE scholarship program, generously provided by Batelle, offers internship experiences, with focuses from business to biology, for students interested in potential careers in animal care, guest services and mission-driven careers. Internships are awarded to students within underserved and underrepresented populations - including race/ethnicity, sex, gender identify/expression, and low-income or socio-economically disadvantaged.

Ready to see this opportunity in action?

Meet Sarah.

Diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, a group of disorders that affect connective tissues supporting the skin, bones, blood vessels, and many other organs and tissue, Sarah didn’t feel an internship at the Columbus Zoo was within her reach. She had already tackled obstacles while pursuing her college degree in Zoology. But, while working seasonally at The Wilds as a Tour Guide and dispatcher, she heard about the RISE scholarship program. “When I heard that the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was welcoming diverse applicants and providing support through the RISE scholarship, I knew this was my opportunity and applied,” Sarah said.

Sarah was awarded an opportunity to work with the North America region at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium where she created animal enrichment, cleaned animal habitats, assisted animal care staff in daily tasks, and acted as a resource for both the animals in the Zoo’s care and guests as well. “I felt like I was contributing to the overall welfare of our friends at the Zoo!” she said. “One of my favorite memories was assisting the animal care team when Alaskan Moose Bert and Strawberry were first introduced to their habitat.I couldn’t believe I was part of such an amazing experience, but the North American animal care team made that possible for me.”

Along with learning the importance of teamwork and communication, Sarah gained insightful information about the connections between Zoo and wildlife conservation plans, referred to as ex-situ and in-situ. “I gained such insightful information during my internship that I can use when creating effective wildlife conservation plans in the future. It really complemented what I learned in the classroom and proved as working experience I can reflect on as I pursue graduate studies in in-situ wildlife conservation fields.”

When asked what advice she has for future RISE scholarship candidates, Sarah had great insight. “Apply! Everyone has diverse experiences in life. Utilize them to create a narrative that fits the person you want to be. You are absolutely capable of achieving this, regardless of experience. I had the pleasure of working with individuals at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium with tons of experience as well as fellow interns in the same shoes as me. They all brought something to the team that strengthened us as a team.

Be yourself. We often find ourselves trying to fit ourselves into molds in order to be successful. Avoid this! Diversity in experiences is the best asset anyone can bring to the table, regardless of position.”