Saving Stripes

 

Even though I’m only a senior in high school, I’ve already lived through more than most. My seizure condition isn’t widely understood or even heard of, so I am an easy target for high schoolers. Graduation is coming soon, and I can’t wait to start over somewhere and take a breath. I never expected that “somewhere” to be a zoo. When I get offered a unique and exciting job opportunity, I pounce on it. Suddenly, I’m spending my days with animals who don’t judge me or look away – they all have their own scars and stories. A naughty coatimundi, playful bears, ferocious geese, gentle and fragile cubs, and a wise tiger who seems to understand me better than any human I’ve ever met. I thought I was going there to care for the animals. I never would have guessed how much they would care for me. The animals saved me from my trauma just as much as I saved them.