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Chelsea heard about AFA through a former volunteer and began volunteering with us at the sweet age of 20 in August 2009. She is such a sweetheart and will do just about anything we need her to do, although she mainly focuses on educational programs. Chelsea is one of the first to volunteer to help with them no matter what time they start, and she has been known to drag herself out of bed and show up bright and cheerful, ready to help as early as 5:30 am (when she’s not asleep on her alarm clock). hehehehe. She’s a quick and efficient packer and knows how to handle the animals well during the programs. Although she has a few favorite animals, Satan the incorrigible kinkajou sticks out as being one of her very favorites. Chelsea remarks, “You always love what won’t love you back. And I truly like each animal for different reasons. So I can’t pick just one.”
Chelsea’s favorite part about volunteering for AFA is LEARNING!!! And there’s a lot to learn with all of the different species we have and the different care they require. It’s certainly a challenge and requires a good memory and common sense. And when asked what her least favorite part about volunteering for AFA, Chelsea responded, “That not all the animals are sweet and can be snuggled, but it’s alright, I will still love them.” And that’s how volunteering for AFA is different from other places she’s volunteered for in the past. Says Chelsea, “I learn first hand by interacting with the animals.” Chelsea doesn’t really have a memorable experience since joining us, because she says, “Everyday I am there is memorable. It’s always an amazing experience.”
Chelsea lives with her family in Lockport. Of course this includes a furry menagerie, as well. Pancho and Pedro are two adorable chinchillas and her three dogs are named Wrigly, Ringo and Mama (her favorite precious pooch). Chelsea has too many hobbies to list. She’s so fun-loving, she enjoys just about everything she does! Right now her time is split between three hectic jobs: The United Centers, Unidor and Williamson Management. But her future plans are awesome. She’s torn between her two loves: Screen Writing and Zoology. Whichever she chooses, we know she’ll be a success.
Chelsea took some time to make additional comments: “Thank you Kim! You have taught me so much, shown me so many things, and gave me such life thrilling experiences. I think by this point everyone I know is completely annoyed by my new found knowledge on some of the animals. I am constantly repeating things like: Did you know this? Or that? Or how they do this? I have such respect for what you do and how you do it. You lead a family, a job and then this. You are truly selfless. Not only is this something you love to do, but you give others a chance to share it with you who also love it. Like me! I wish I could be there every day to make things easier for you, but with three jobs it’s super hard! But I will always try because I enjoy the time I spend there no matter what I am doing.”
And of course we have something to say about Chelsea. Besides being a beautiful young lady, Chelsea isn’t afraid to jump in where needed and get her hands dirty. She’s bright and easy going, and has a great sense of humor. Chelsea works well around the animals and is pretty confident about her knowledge. We love having her around. As far as her assisting on the educational programs, I don’t know what I would do without her!!!!!!!!!
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