First Day Jitters and Big Dreams
I’m Emily Johnson, and back then I was 25 with stars in my eyes and a head full of dreams. Fresh out of UC Davis with an animal science degree, I’d just landed my dream job as a keeper trainee at the San Diego Zoo.
That first morning, I must’ve checked myself in my rearview mirror about ten times. My khaki uniform hung a little loose—classic newbie move—and my face was ghost-white from nerves. But man, my eyes were practically sparkling with excitement. I’d been obsessed with elephants since I was a kid, spending hours poring over National Geographic, completely blown away by how smart they were and how tight their family bonds could be.
“Elephants have better memories than humans,” I’d told the zoo director during my interview, barely able to contain my enthusiasm. “They actually grieve their dead—some have been observed shedding tears.” His warm smile had sealed the deal for me.
Walking through those gates that first day, I felt like I was stepping into my future.
The morning team meeting was everything I’d hoped for. Everyone was so welcoming, especially Mike, the head elephant keeper. At 48, with 25 years under his belt, he had this dad-like quality that immediately put me at ease.
“So you’re the elephant fanatic I’ve been hearing about,” he said with a grin. “This should be interesting.”
I was practically buzzing with anticipation.
