🐼11.7 Panda Base SE: Breaking Barriers— Becoming one of the Youngest Volunteer at the Chengdu Panda Base (1/200)

I finally found an animal research organization that accepts underage volunteers—the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding’s Science education department. Now, I can pursue some childhood dreams and explore ways to protect animals and the environment, starting with science education.

It was a rare opportunity. I went through online registration, an online interview, in-person training, another interview, and an exam. The whole process took two weeks. About 200 people applied, but only 50 were selected. Forty were recruited from top universities like Sichuan University, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, and Chengdu University of Technology. Only 10 spots were open for the public.

It was tough, especially since I was the only underage applicant accepted. My English skills helped—probably because of my bilingual background. Also, I could commit to volunteering regularly, while many students could only join during holidays. That likely gave me an edge.

Need 30 hrs of work to become official volunteer though! (yes we have an trainee-> official member mode 😭） Hope I get it done soon!