Hi, my name is Jamie Nicholson. I graduated from the University of Florida this past December with a Bachelors degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. While in school, I switched my major a couple of times. I was originally a wildlife major, then changed to economics in the business school, then changed back to wildlife ecology. While I am happy that I was in the business school for a short period of time, I am definitely happy that I switched back.

I grew up in South Florida, Pembroke Pines to be specific, and have lived in the same house my entire life, which I think is pretty awesome and unique. I have an older brother, whom is 31 and recently married and an older sister, whom is 28, recently married and has my adorable nephew. Although my parents are divorced, we are still a really close family and spend holidays and birthdays all together. Growing up we didn’t do the typical Floridian family vacations to Disney World and such; we went on adventures. In the winter, we would go skiing in British Columbia or Breckenridge, Colorado and in the summers we went camping all over Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. By far, the most memorable trip that I’ve had was camping all over Alaska for 2 weeks. That was truly a humbling experience. I definitely think growing up in the outdoors has made me appreciate wildlife and nature so much more as an adult.

While at UF, I studied abroad in Swaziland South Africa for three weeks and also did my own traveling after the trip to Victoria Falls in Zambia and Zimbabwe and also Dublin, Ireland. Participating in this trip really honed in on what I already knew- I definitely want to pursue a career in the wildlife conservation field. While most people know at this stage in their life what interests them in the wildlife field (herpetology, large mammals, etc.) I am still very unsure. I haven’t particularly found my niche just yet. Therefore, before I start looking into graduate programs, I want to spend the next couple years with seasonal jobs and volunteering. This will help me explore the different options that I will have in my career and which suites me the best.

At my time in St. Marks, I want to soak up all of the knowledge that I can and dip my fingers into many pies, sort of speak. The diversity of the habitats is going to teach me so much and really give me the experience I am looking for. I am immensely appreciative of the opportunity that I have been given here and all of the wonderful people that I have been working with and learning from. Thank you so much for everything!

Best,

Jamie Nicholson