From Citizen Scientist to Future Changemaker – How Volunteering Shapes My Path

A Meaningful Experience Helping Animals

One of my most meaningful volunteer experiences has been through a platform called Zooniverse. If you’ve never heard of it, it’s an online citizen science hub where everyday people can help professional scientists conduct real-world research. Whether it’s astronomy, history, medicine, or wildlife conservation, there’s a project for every interest—and mine is animals.

Through Zooniverse, I contribute to a conservation project focused on tracking bird migration in the Camargue region of France. My role involves examining photographs and identifying leg bands on birds. At first, it might sound like a small task. But each band I identify contributes critical data that researchers use to study migration patterns, environmental changes, and threats to endangered species. The work requires patience, attention to detail, and a willingness to dig into scientific processes—and I love it.

Consistent Actions = Global Impact

So far, I’ve personally helped identify over 600 animals through Zooniverse. Every time I submit a leg band or confirm a sighting, I know I’m part of something bigger than myself. It’s pretty amazing to realize that from my desk in Texas, I can help protect ecosystems halfway across the world. That’s what volunteering has taught me: small, consistent actions can have global impact.

But Zooniverse isn’t the only place I give my time. I’m also a volunteer at Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center, where I serve as a historical docent. That means I get to step back in time—literally!—by dressing in historical clothing and teaching visitors about life in early Texas. I demonstrate how people in the past cooked, cared for animals, and lived close to nature. It’s hands-on, educational, and a lot of fun, especially when I get to inspire younger kids to ask questions and see the world through a different lens.

These two volunteer roles might seem really different—one is digital and global, the other in-person and local—but they both serve a common purpose: education and empowerment through action. They’ve helped me build strong communication skills, learn how to work independently, and grow my passion for animals and science. I’ve learned how to be a more responsible global citizen and a more engaged local community member.

Volunteering for Long-Term Goals

Volunteering has also helped clarify my long-term goals. I’ve always loved animals, but through Zooniverse and Jesse Jones Park, I’ve realized that I want to pursue a career in veterinary science with a focus on wildlife conservation. I hope to work with endangered species, combining scientific research with hands-on care. I want to be part of the solution when it comes to biodiversity loss, climate change, and animal health. Volunteering has shown me that I don’t have to wait until college or adulthood to start making a difference—I’m already doing it now.

Seeking Education Beyond a Textbook

One of the best parts of volunteering is how much it teaches you—sometimes even more than a textbook. It teaches you empathy. It teaches you how to see problems and take initiative. It teaches you that even when the world feels big and complicated, you always have something to contribute.

For any fellow students reading this, I want to encourage you: don’t wait for the “perfect” time to get involved. It doesn’t matter if you have only a few hours a week or if your interests seem different from everyone else’s. The world needs people who care, people who try. Whether you love animals, the environment, technology, or history—there’s a place for you to make an impact.

Conclusion

As I continue my academic journey, I plan to expand my impact by getting involved with more conservation efforts, possibly joining student research programs, and continuing my work as a citizen scientist. I also hope to introduce others to platforms like Zooniverse and connect students with environmental education opportunities in our area.

Volunteering has changed how I see the world—and how I see myself. It’s not just something extra I do; it’s part of my identity. It reminds me that we all have the power to be change-makers, no matter our age. So whether I’m identifying bird bands from France or teaching kids about the past here in Texas, I know I’m building a future where I can make a difference—and that’s a future I can’t wait to be part of.