By J1 Reporter Elena Brown

As the environment becomes an increasingly important and prevalent topic in the world, sophomore Violet Christen took action to combat rising climate issues by applying for the Zoo Academy at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Her passion for conservation has prompted her to devote her education to sustainability.

Christen aspires to become an environmental scientist or wildlife ecologist after she graduates from college. This field of study is so important to her because she believes that it is important to preserve and care for the earth’s natural resources and biodiversity. Christen became passionate about this last year when she joined the Sustainability Club at Marian. There, she learned about the importance of caring for our environment. 

She was introduced to the Zoo Academy after her mom, Assistant Principal Mrs. Jennifer Christen and Marian counselor Mrs. Amanda Losee attended a meeting about it. When Mrs. Christen told Violet about it, she was instantly enticed by the opportunity.

“When we can learn about sustainability and conservation, we become better consumers, better people,” Losee said.

The Zoo Academy is a program offered by Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo that includes courses centered around ecology and conservation studies. It is a way to complete required high school courses while focusing on wildlife and sustainability. Applications are open to students from select schools across the Omaha Metro area who are incoming juniors and seniors and have an interest in these areas.

The Zoo Academy is perfect for those who want to pursue professions in animals, zoo keeping and veterinary science, and those interested in ecology, sustainability and the environment. 

Christen will be taking four classes at Marian, and another four at the academy. The classes are organized similar to A-day and E-day schedules. The academy offers two pathways: the wildlife research path, and the conservation research path. Christen will be taking the conservation research path, so at the zoo she will be taking Intro to Research, Ecology, U.S. Government and Math. On Fridays, all junior students take something called “Zoo Operations,” where they participate in activities in the zoo itself and get hands-on experience. 

At Marian, she will take AP U.S. History, Spanish, English, and Theology. “I’m excited to go to the Zoo Academy because I’m looking forward to getting unique experiences that I wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else,” Christen said. 

While she will experience many new things at the zoo, she will miss out on some Marian activities. Field Day and CAB will most likely conflict with her morning schedule at the zoo. 

The Zoo Academy is a unique experience for juniors and seniors because not many schools offer it. It is beneficial for college applications because it is a unique addition to resumes that indicates experience and knowledge. 

Christen encourages students at Marian to be aware of their environmental impact. “During your time at Marian, find ways you can be sustainable and help the earth.”