Meet the Manatee People
Meet Ms. Takako Hashimoto:
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown
Married: No
Kids: No
Pets: 1 dog in South Carolina
named Bee
Background: From South Carolina. I have an older brother and sister who are going to school in Japan.
Education: I am a senior at Clemson University in South Carolina. My major is Wildlife Biology. My minor is Environmental Science. Right now I am in a cooperative education program with the Fish and Wildlife Service.
Job Title: Student Trainee
Employer: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
How long on job: I was here last summer working on the Florida Black Bear project. We were trying to learn about their habitat, where they are living, and we were trying to find out how many there are. I went out on my own in an official truck to look for signs of black bears.
This time I am back again for a semester.
What my job is: I assist other rangers on their projects. I greet the public who come into the Fish and Wildlife office. I give them information about manatees and other animals in the area. I answer the phone and write letters. I help to organize the manatee festival. I help the Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park with their children's programs.
What I like best about my job: Knowing that I can deal with the responsibility they give me.
What don't like most about my job: I like it all!
Advice for kids who would like a job like mine: Join the Youth Conservation Corps. Work or volunteer for a Fish and Wildlife Refuge over the summer. (Have to be over 16 years old.)
Favorite TV Show: Pinky and the Brain
Favorite Movie: What Dreams May Come
Favorite Sports: Softball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, football, swimming, kayaking, hiking, off-road biking, skydiving, camping, and scuba diving.
Hobbies: art (I like to draw) and pottery
Goal: I can speak Japanese, but I want to learn to read Japanese. I would like to do more scuba diving and sky diving.
My career goal is to work with the US Fish and Wildlife Service . I am interested in non-game animals. I like migratory birds, endangered species, insects, amphibians, and I am very lucky to be with manatees now. I want to educate others about animals and taking care of the planet.