Raven Jackson
Chimp Haven
Keithville, LA US
"Sometimes we think that we have dreams that are unobtainable. But look at my story-wherever your starting place is, you can still obtain the goals that you want."
Career Roadmap
Raven's work combines: Environment & Nature, Medicine, and Upholding a Cause and Belief
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
I had a lot of fear and anxiety about applying for some school programs and positions that I really wanted. I struggled with feeling like I wasn't good enough, but eventually I just had to realize that I would never know if I was good enough if I didn't try. The worst thing that could happen is that they say "no" and I'm right back where I already am.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Animal Sciences, General
Tuskegee University
Graduate Degree
Veterinary Sciences/Veterinary Clinical Sciences, General
Tuskegee University
Doctorate
Veterinary Sciences/Veterinary Clinical Sciences, General
Tuskegee University
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
While she was in college, she was assigned to do behavioral studies of three species of animals.
2.
She enjoyed working with the wolves and cheetahs, but it was quickly apparent that working with the chimps was her passion.
3.
After college, she was slated to begin a residency at a primate research facility in Oregon.
4.
The job hinged on her passing her medical board exam; she failed by one point, and the residency was revoked.
5.
Seeing her dreams put on hold made her depressed for some time-as a type-A personality, she didn't know how to deal with that disappointment.
6.
Eventually she applied to another internship working with small monkeys, but she let them know that working with chimps was her dream.
7.
Her boss found her a connection to Chimp Haven, but once again, the job hinged on her passing her medical board exams.
8.
This time, she said "failure wasn't an option"; she devoted a huge part of her life to studying, she passed the test, "and then everything fell into place."
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
I'm not smart enough for this.
How I responded:
I had a lot of fear and anxiety about applying for some school programs and positions that I really wanted. I struggled with feeling like I wasn't good enough, but eventually I just had to realize that I would never know if I was good enough if I didn't try. The worst thing that could happen is that they say "no" and I'm right back where I already am.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I had a lot of student loans to pay off.
When I was just starting out after graduating, I had an exciting internship opportunity in Oregon and all I had to do was pass my board exams in order to practice vet medicine. I failed by one point which crushed me. I eventually passed.