Project Dragonfly and the Butterfly Breeder

I've told some people in person, but I started grad school this summer! I wanted to share a little of that experience here. This was a big decision for me. My undergrad experience was difficult to get through as I had two kids I was raising. Then, I went through a divorce that sent me 100 miles away from my school before I could finish my degree. I did finish, though, with a B.A. in Science and Technical Communications. It wasn't the B.S. in Ecology I had set out to obtain, but that was the best I could do to finish my degree from afar.

A New Direction

I had finished half of a Master's program in Computer Science before I became a butterfly breeder. However, I didn't complete that degree as I felt it wasn't adding to my career as a software developer at the time. I was already starting to feel that path wasn't for me. I still wanted a higher degree, but I couldn't decide what my path was for a long time.

Eventually, I left my computer science behind and became a butterfly breeder. I joined the International Butterfly Breeders Association (IBBA) and found my new community. Bug people were my people! The other breeders I met cared just as much as I did about the tiniest of creatures and the preservation of the environment they depended on. I fell more in love with my new profession and felt a sense of belonging I never felt as a developer. Still, I wanted to contribute more with my scientific background. I wasn't sure how I would do that, though.

A Life-Changing Trip

It wasn't until I took my first international trip with the IBBA that I figured it out. We went to Peru and into the Amazon Rainforest, which will be in another blog post eventually, I promise! It was incredible to be in the Amazon, and our guides were so knowledgeable about the jungle and its wild inhabitants. One of our guides was telling me about the efforts Peru has taken to protect the Amazon. He explained how Peruvian people see conservation as something they can all take part in, not just scientists and naturalists.

When he finished telling me about his countrymen's deep respect for the Earth, he asked me, "What do Americans do? How are you helping as a person and with your business?" I was dumbfounded. I was embarrassed. I thought of all the polluting and the growing number of climate change deniers in America. I thought of all the times I've heard people treat conservation as a "not my problem" issue. To be honest, I wanted to cry.

I told him how I try to use my business as a way to get the word out about the importance of pollinators and how people can help them. However, I knew that wasn't enough. I wanted to be more involved, like he was. I wanted to reach more people and make an impact.

Pursuing a Master's Degree

So, how do I do that? I felt the majority of successes or advances in conservation I was hearing about were coming from universities. I decided to finally get my Master's in the field of biology to gain meaningful experience in conservation research and make connections to other professionals with similar goals. Project Dragonfly was the best fit for me, as it would allow me to continue running my business while I attended classes.

Project Dragonfly is a master's program through Miami University in Ohio, but its reach is global. They allow students to take online classes, with certain classes requiring a few in-person days. Those in-person days of instruction are located not at the university, but at zoos all over the US. My location is the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. I will complete an MA in Biology, but the program allows you to shape your degree to your own goals. I haven't quite formed that full picture yet, but I'm focused on pollinator entomology. Each class has a community project or research component, so I will be writing a LOT of papers on pollinators along the way. I plan to post my research papers as blog entries, too.

First Class Experience

I've already completed my first class this summer, where I spent a week at the zoo getting to know some of my classmates and some of the incredible staff at the zoo. As a person who has suffered from social anxiety, it was very scary for me to show up on that first day. I was nervous and worried I'd made a mistake. I was concerned this was the wrong place for me, and everyone else would know it right away. The imposter syndrome feelings were strong!

I was so wrong! I met a classmate just walking through the doors who I instantly clicked with, and she's still my favorite person to talk to in our cohort. I found people were intrigued by my business and wanted to hear more about it. My contributions in class were welcomed, and my classmates were amazing people with the same passion to do something about the state of our planet. I texted my mother after the first day, saying, "I'm in the right place now."

Looking Ahead

It's been a lot of work and a lot of fun already! I can tell this is going to be a journey to complete this degree, but I'm so excited to be a part of it! I know there are going to be some incredible experiences ahead, and I'm going to find more ways to help pollinators while obtaining this degree.

I may continue on to get my PhD, too, but one thing at a time! I want to enjoy the ride and put the best effort I can into my education. This might mean I'm going to be a little slower to respond to questions, or I may not be able to do as many events. However, I'm sure this is going to enrich what I'm able to offer my customers and my community.