Jane Goodall

(http://animal.discovery.com/fansites/janegoodall/jane/bio/jane-goodall-photos.html (Jane Goodall Institute))

Most children, at a young age, have the same dream. They all want to become doctors, lawyers, firefighters, or presidents. But one young girl had a different dream in mind; she daydreamed all the time about working with and studying animals. Although she did not know it, these daydreams of working with animals would one day become a reality, and make her one of the most famous and inspirational female scientists of all time. Jane Goodall was born on April 3, 1934, in London, England. When she was just over the age of one, she received a toy chimpanzee from her father. Starting from that young age, Goodall "...loved to play with and take care of the animals" (Webster University). Today, she is a world-renowned primatologist, and her name is synonymous with animal rights activism. It was not easy to get to this position, though. Jane Goodall fought with gender discrimination, and even today fights against it, speaking at conferences, schools, and research institutions. Throughout her distinguished life, Goodall’s philanthropic nature has earned her many accolades. But, her career had humble beginnings at the age of 23, when she researched chimpanzees near the Gombe River. Through this field study, she discovered new and refuted many old theories about our closest relatives. This study continued for 40 more years, but she refused to stop there. She continues to inspire the world through her true love of animals, fight against gender discrimination, and selfless actions.

http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/photocredit/achievers/goo1-046 (Jane Goodall Institute)

Jane Goodall is truly passionate about animals, and has spent her whole life studying, improving the lives of, and spreading the beauty of them. Ever since she was young, Goodall loved to play with animals. Before she even began junior-high school, she daydreamed "...of one day being an adult and traveling and working with animals" (Webster University). Starting when she was young, a passion burned in her heart for animals, and this gave her a unique dream. This dream never left her, and once it was realized, she did all she could do to help them. Her love of interacting with animals turned into a series of heroic actions to fight for their welfare. Now, she is one of the most famous animal activists: "Today Jane Goodall's name is synonymous with the protection of a beloved species." (Gale) Through her enormous efforts to rescue chimpanzees, she has made herself an icon of the protection of animals. Goodall founded the Jane Goodall Institute and the Roots&Shoots program, which both educate the world about the natural world and fight for animal rights. She leads the battle at the front lines for animals, and compels others to follow her example. Jane Goodall's tireless efforts and undying compassion for animals have made her a true hero to both animals and humans alike. But it was not easy for her to get to her current position. She faced all of the problems that we do today, and maybe more.

Goodall was strong enough to overcome gender discrimination, and continues to fight it today. It was a large problem when Jane Goodall attempted to realize her dreams. Men received higher pay for the same jobs, but more often than not, women couldn't even get the same job. Jane Goodall chose to look past that and fulfill her calling. She led by example, and made manifest that women were just as capable as men were. She was one of the eight people that earned a Ph.D. in ethology without a bachelor’s degree. Women were just as intellectually capable as men were! She did not stop there, though. Goodall showed that women do even better. "Women... possessed unique skills and qualities" (Women in European History). On July 4, 1960, Jane Goodall conducted her first scientific field study. She traveled by boat with her mother to the Gombe Stream Chimpanzee Reserve. Two women volunteered to go alone to the middle of a jungle. That action in itself refuted previous thoughts that women were timid and afraid. Jane Goodall did many things that proved women were capable. In fact, many of her observations disproved past ones made by men. Through these actions, she inspired many women to follow her. Goodall opened up a whole new world of opportunity for them. She destroyed the barriers of gender discrimination, and empowered women through her love of animals.

Jane Goodall's philanthropy has led her to support multiple charities, and to set up plenty of organizations on her own. Through these actions, Jane Goodall has improved the lives of countless people. She is a selfless person, and "...has received numerous awards for her humanitarian and environmental work, and is a UN Messenger of Peace" (Look to the Stars). From these awards, we can draw that she is a generous person. Not only does she donate money, but she is actively involved in multiple organizations. Through these organizations, Goodall creates worlds of opportunities for underserved people. She has supported numerous organizations: "Jane Goodall has supported the following charities: American Association of Retired Persons, Heifer International, Jane Goodall Institute, Live Earth, Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, Roots&Shoots, WildAid." (Look to the Stars) These organizations do not simply give out supplies; they increase awareness of societal and environmental problems. For example, Roots&Shoots is an educational program that gives children an opportunity to learn about the natural world. It makes them more globally aware, and educates them about things they never might have learned. Heifer International is also an amazing foundation. It donates food-producing animals, like goats, cows, and chickens, to developing countries. By selling surplus food and other products, families are now able to make a living and sustain themselves. Jane Goodall is not just a philanthropist; she is a wise philanthropist. She supports good organizations that will have the most beneficial effect on people.

(http://www.janegoodall.ca/goodall-bio-timeline.php (Jane Goodall Institute))

Jane Goodall's passion for animals, philanthropic spirit, and fight against gender discrimination has made her a true hero. She is inspiring because of how unique she is from other celebrities. She chose to follow her true passion, animals, and uses her prestigious position in the science world to help those in need. Also, she speaks out against gender discrimination, a problem that is still present in today's world. She is most inspiring to me because of her determination to fulfill her dreams. Goodall discovered her passion early, and never lost her love of animals. Her willingness to chase her dream inspires me to follow my own:  teaching. This is what a true hero does. They do not inspire people to be the best at something. They do not inspire people to break records. They should inspire people to follow their passion with a burning desire, and to never veer from the path that they want to follow.

Works Consulted

"Jane Goodall." Webster.edu. Webster University. Web. 12 Dec. 2011.

"Jane Goodall." Women in European History. WEH, 3 June 2009. Web. 04 Jan. 2012.

"Jane Goodall's Charity Work, Events and Causes." Celebrity Charity News, Events, Organizations & Causes. Look to the Stars. Web. 04 Jan. 2012.         .