Sharissa - Bio

Sharissa Copeland

I am a biology, pre-veterinary medicine major. Why veterinarian, you ask? Well, when I was younger, my family took me to Custer State Park in North Dakota. I wanted so badly to pet all of the amazing animals in the park, but not a single one would get close enough for me to pet them. Finally, at the end of the day while feeding the prairie dogs, one came right up to me and ate right from my hands. I even got to pet it! Ever since then, I have wanted to deal with animals. Helping them always brought happiness into my life. I knew I wanted to work with them, but I did not know how. My parents were always really big on me being a vet, which was very helpful in keeping me on track. Throughout my years, I have had difficulty deciding on a career. I have thought of being a teacher, a veterinary technician, even the girl who rides on Shamu. I’m glad I changed my mind on the last one. Anyway, my parents were always there telling me that I would miss out if I did not pursue my original dream. The only thing that would deter me from that track is the Discovery Channel. They have all of these cool shows where people get to swim cageless with a Great White or stay in a glass box in the middle of a wild pride of lions. This is the kind of stuff I am interested in. They entail different kinds of research that are so unique and potentially dangerous; most people wouldn’t dare try them. However, I think I might just be crazy enough for it. I enjoy powerful animals, especially those given a bad reputation, like the Great White. Alas, opportunities such as these are very hard to obtain, so I stick to the task of becoming a vet, which is not an easy one.

What does all of this have to do with Honduras? I’m glad you asked. Well, in the mix of my attempts to discover what profession was best fit for me, marine biology keeps steady in the back of my mind. My parents are not all for it, you see, and, well, they pay the bills. Jobs are just not easy to come by, especially those that pay well. So, I stick to the land professions. I still want to find out more about the ocean. So, part of that adventure begins on this trip. I will learn the simple things, like just how to begin to scuba dive, and safely experience open water. Then, I will know a little bit better if I am really interested. Maybe one day I could combine the two through specializing in veterinary medicine for marine animal, or do research in the deep blue. Who knows? Whatever comes of it, this trip will benefit me in many ways.