CROW Feathers: Jemina Ahamed
Where are you from?
What is your position at CROW?
How long have you worked at CROW?
What is your favorite animal and why?
"My favourite animal has been Brown Pelicans! They are absolutely gorgeous big shorebirds, and I have really enjoyed being able to work with them. There was one in clinic on my very first day and restraining him for his treatments was the first thing that I got to do at CROW. Holding that big and majestic of a bird while practicing medicine affirmed why I had chosen to come to CROW, and work and learn with the wildlife here. It also gave me the confidence in my developing skills as a technician. Seeing the pelicans hunting every morning on my commute over the causeway reminded me daily why we do what we do in wildlife rehabilitation."
What is your favorite memory or story from your time at CROW?
"The most memorable moments at CROW for me were those where I could see and feel my own improvement. Things like hitting a vein for a blood draw where only a few weeks ago I would have struggled, being able to recognize clinical signs on physical exam, and help come up with an effective treatment plan, or safely restraining a patient that I had been unable to handle alone before that, really made me feel like I was learning and belonged in this field, and that is a feeling I will hold on to for the rest of my career."
What activities or hobbies do you enjoy outside of CROW?
"I really enjoy being outdoors, everything from hiking to paddling! While I was in Florida, I got to hike a bunch of different parks, like J.N. Ding Darling on Sanibel and Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Fort Myers. I was also able to spend a lot of time on the water, kayaking in Tarpon Bay and swimming at the beaches. My other hobbies include reading, knitting, and checking out new breweries near me."
What are some of your goals or aspirations for the future?
"While I am sad to be leaving Florida wildlife, I am excited to go back to work in an emergency practice setting. After gaining some more experience working as a small animal ER tech, I hope to use the knowledge and skills that I gained at CROW to work at other wildlife facilities in the future. I would like to eventually find a position working full time with wildlife but will be happy to spend my time working with it on my days off for now. I am excited to see where my journey as an RVT takes me, and hope that I will cross paths with CROW and its wonderful staff again in the future!"
