The Zoo!

As you have already read I'm a volunteer at the Columbus Zoo. Well it has changed my life.

This Summer was the first I could volunteer because I turned 13 in November 2007. Teen zoo volunteers are called Zooaides, adults are called Docents. Zooaides can volunteer from age 13-18, if you turn 18 during the volunteer year or after it. Zooaides only work from June-August, Regionaides can work all year. After working two Summers and being in good standing (Not having the supervisors hate your guts) you can apply to be a Regionaide aswell as a Zooaide. It just means you work more and only work in one section of the zoo on days you Regionaide. If you work one Summer and make all 56 hours that are required they invite you back for the next Summer. I worked 90 hours, so I will be invited back for next year!

I really hope that was semi-understandable.

Ok now before the Zooaide year starts you have to go to training, no matter what year you are. I went to the first training of the year. I met WONDERFUL people there. They were the people that helped change me.

First there is Logan. I was being really shy, and nervous that at training, which is SO not me. Logan asked what year I was, and after that we just started chatting. He was nice and funny and made me open up. Logan is a 17 year old 4th year. Or he was. This was his last year, and we will all miss him TERRIBLY, but don't think I'll lose contact.

While I was chatting with Logan a random very pretty tall blond girl commented on my hair. (I had an orangey-red colored streak at the time, for more info check Avalon's site) We started talking too. Her name is Grace. Grace was really nice this past summer, but as the months have gone by, I've seen she's someone I have no intrest in being associated with.

I focused on Logan but he is not the only person I have come to love.

(EDIT)
I had put just a tiny thing in here about Hannah earlier this year. Well, I'm taking it out to be replaced with a whole lotta love! During the summer Hannah was super busy so I really didn't get to meet the REAL her untill this fall and winter. Two words to describe her..... Absolutely INSANE!!! In the best possible way. She's my best friend and I have the sneaking suspiscion she always will be. Loud and crazy whenever she feels like it, but the most wonderfull, accepting, caring person when you need her. I can't really go into detail on here, but she's helped me find the real Aurora, and set her free! I love her to death and I am LUCKY to have her associate with a shmucko like me.

Melissa is a walking angel. She is kind, thoughtful, funny and brilliant. She is a dancer and an all around cool person! She is one of the most selfless people I know.
Sarah is a quiet intensity, thats the best descrpition of her. She just lets out with random bursts of hyper crazyness. She is super fun.
Kim just kills me sometimes. She is a HUGE Jonas Brothers fan. She is a wonderful, funny, randomly crazy girl. She can make you grin about three seconds after you meet her.
Moving on to the guys-
Josh is just so....Josh! He is really a quiet guy untill he gets to know you or you get him in a good mood. Then he is hilarious. One day working the cornhole station we just started throwing beanbags at each other just for random fun!.
Robbie is funny is a quiet way. He is super smart, but he trys to hide it. He loves to scare you by leaning over your shoulder. He is 6'6 and more quiet than a mouse. He's a giant teddy bear though!
Then there is Geo...How to describe Geo...well how about different?! He is smart, funny, nice, and an all around good person. He plays (Edit: played soccer, accidental injury keeps him from playing anymore) soccer and has a great outlook on life. I don't think you can make Geo mad, and if you could he wouldn't tell you! He is just an awesome guy and a great friend.

There are many more people, but these are the ones that have touched my life.
You guys all rock! I can't wait until next summer, I miss you guys already!
XOXOX,
Aurora