A Dream Internship: Becoming a Vet Tech at the Honolulu Zoo

Hi friends and family!

As some of you may know, I have been offered the opportunity to complete a month long internship at the Honolulu Zoo in August 2025. This internship is part of the Veterinary Technology Program at Portland Community College that I am currently enrolled in. We were able to choose anywhere we wanted to go, and the reason I chose to travel for this internship is because Oregon has limited options for zoo/wildlife facilities, and I want to start making connections outside of Oregon- Jonathan and I plan to move out of state after I graduate in 2026. This field relies heavily on WHO you know, and it doesn't hurt to have friends in Hawaii ;)

With being in school full time (5 days a week), I have limited time to work my job at the clinic, so I am relying heavily on student loans (Sallie Mae owns me at this point). Fortunately, I have been able to work some side jobs such as pet sitting, so I am making SOMEWHAT of a savings, but not nearly enough to fully support this trip. I am asking for help with housing, travel, and food costs, everything else I will figure out on my own. I am really hoping to get my accommodation booked by the end of January, because Hawaii in the summer ya know, and flight ASAP. Any help IS HELP. I appreciate anything you can contribute, I know this is an awful time to ask for help right after the holidays, but I need to get the ball rolling.

Here are the costs I am anticipating for a total of 5 weeks:

Housing $1400-1600 (likely more, I’m being optimistic)

Flights $580 roundtrip

Food ~$1000 (Google anticipates a higher cost, but I’m determined to eat on a budget!

*total amount requested is rounded up*

I will be at the zoo 5 days a week, for a whole 5 weeks! I am VERY excited for this opportunity, and so grateful for any help. Thanks again. <3