.png){kind=small}
already Doing Things to help?
Inspire Others.
Tell them about yourself.
If you’re reading this, it’s because you’ve done something truly remarkable: you've dedicated your time, expertise, and probably more than a few late-night hours to helping protect the natural world. And that’s a story worth telling. We would love to work along with you to achieve our mission. So, please – can you do one more thing to help? Tell us about yourself.
(when you have more time)
We would really like to know much more
HELP US TRULY INSPIRE OTHERS
We’re need people just like you—professionals who have fascinating tales to tell about their work with endangered species and conservation efforts in Sri Lanka. But let’s face it, as much as you love what you do, it’s not always easy to sum it all up in a few words (or even a few paragraphs). Which is why we’re not asking for a list of accomplishments. Instead, we’d love to hear the journey behind the job. The ups, the downs, and the odd moments of hilarity in between. To help you get started, we’ve put together a few questions (yes, the sort that might make you pause and think, “Huh, I’ve never been asked that before!”). Take your time. Really! These questions are meant to dig into the heart of what you do and why it matters. And, importantly, they might just spark a bit of nostalgia, pride, or perhaps even a chuckle as you recall the winding road that brought you here. By sharing your answers, you’ll be inspiring others—students, volunteers, maybe that one person who’s been sitting on the fence about getting involved and most importantly everyone we are trying to start conversations with —to follow in your footsteps. In the grand scheme of things, your story might just be the thing that nudges someone else to dive into the deep end of conservation. Plus, we hope to showcase your work on our site. So, if you’re up for it (and we hope you are), grab a cup of tea or coffee, settle in, and think of this as a friendly chat with a very passionate student. We’re excited to learn about the adventures, challenges, and surprising moments that make your environmental stewardship, work so unique. Thank you for your time, your dedication, and your story. We can’t wait to share it with the world. Think about these questions, and when you are ready – fill the hero form.
We WOuld Love To Know
1.Early Life and Inspiration
-
What sparked your interest in your field? Was there a particular moment, experience, or person that inspired you to pursue your career?
-
What were your early career or academic experiences like? Any memorable moments that shaped your career? (e.g., internships, early jobs, research projects) changed your perspective or approach.
-
Were there any challenges or obstacles you faced early on that influenced the way you work today? How did you overcome them?
3.Current Work
-
Can you give us a brief overview of your current role? What are your main responsibilities, and what does a typical day look like?
-
What specific projects or research are you most excited about right now? Why do they matter, and what impact could they have?
-
What are some of the most pressing challenges in your field today, and how are you addressing them? Are there issues that need urgent attention?
-
Can you list the 5 most important areas in which the public in Sri Lanka need to be educated on to address these challenges?
-
What’s one project you’ve worked on that was particularly meaningful or transformative? What did you learn from it?
-
Have there been any moments in your work that were particularly amusing or unexpected? Something that lightened the mood or made you see things differently.
2.Professional Journey
-
Can you describe your journey from university to where you are now? What roles or experiences had the most significant impact on your career?
-
What was your most unexpected or surprising professional experience? Something that you didn’t foresee but changed your perspective or approach.
-
Have you ever taken an unconventional route in your career? Did you start off in a different field or switch paths along the way?
-
What’s one professional accomplishment you’re particularly proud of? Why does it stand out to you?
4.Collaboration and Skills
-
Who do you typically work with to achieve your goals (e.g., other professionals, communities, volunteers)? What roles do they play in your work?
-
What kinds of skills are critical to your work? Are there any unusual or specialized skills that have become particularly important?
-
What type of people do you need around you to do your best work? What characteristics or talents make a great team member?
-
Do you collaborate with non-scientists or other non-traditional partners? How do they contribute to your projects?
-
Are you looking for volunteers? Tell us more about the type of skills you are looking for and details about the various jobs that need to get done.
5.Personal Motivation and Impact
-
What motivates you to keep going, even when things get difficult? Do you have a personal mantra or philosophy that helps you push through tough times?
-
How do you balance the scientific, practical, and human sides of your work? Do you ever find these in conflict, and if so, how do you resolve it?
-
What impact do you hope your work will have in the long term? What legacy do you want to leave behind?
-
What advice would you give to someone looking to follow a similar career path? Any mistakes to avoid or things you wish you’d known earlier?
6.Amusing or Inspirational Tidbits
-
Can you share an amusing anecdote from your work—something that shows the lighter or unexpected side of your profession?
-
Have you had a particularly memorable interaction with someone you’ve worked with or helped? Maybe a moment where you realized the impact of your work on a personal level.
7.Future Aspirations
-
Where do you see your field going in the next 10-20 years, and what part do you hope to play in it?
-
What’s next for you in your career? Any upcoming projects or shifts in focus?
-
If you could collaborate with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?
