JFK Graduate Thrives in Animal Science After Success in New Visions Program

Faith Mingle, a graduate of John F. Kennedy Senior High School, is turning her lifelong passion for animals into a promising career in wildlife and conservation. 

As a senior, Faith excelled in the New Visions Zoo, Wildlife, and Conservation Careers (ZWCC) program, a unique partnership between Erie 1 BOCES and the Buffalo Zoo that gives students hands-on experience in zoological and environmental sciences. 

Program instructor Hannah Weigand described Faith as an exceptional student.

“Faith is a hard worker with a fantastic positive attitude,” Weigand said. “She was already known and adored by zoo staff from her many years as a zoo camper and her involvement with the Buffalo Zoo’s teen programming. Despite having so much knowledge of the zoo already, Faith entered my class ready to learn more and soak up the entire experience. She has already spent two summers working for the zoo!” 

Faith credits the New Visions program for helping her take the next step in her journey. 

“New Visions directly helped me become a Seasonal Education Assistant at the Buffalo Zoo through ZWCC’s connections with the education department,” she said. “It also gave me a base knowledge about animal behavior and physiology, which is wildly useful in many animal-related classes.” 

Now studying Animal Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation at Canisius University, Faith continues to explore her career options through internships and volunteer work.

“I’m not fully sure what aspect of this field I want to pursue,” she said, “but I hope to find a career that truly interests me.” 

Learn more about the New Visions Zoo, Wildlife, and Conservation Careers program at e1b.org/zoo.