Kate Moore
I was drawn to Humane Education before I knew of its existence. In many ways, I have always been a humane educator-- informing friends about animal protection, environmental issues and human rights abuses.
When I first learned about IHE during a post-conference workshop, I decided that I would someday pursue the Master’s program. The opportunity to intensely study the issues most important to me seemed like a simple, logical choice. The more difficult decision was when I would begin. While I felt Humane Education was my calling, my common sense upbringing told me to continue the “sensible” academic path I was on.
It was not until the loss of both my mother and grandmother a year later that I realized the importance of living in the moment. That concentrated loss of life brought new meaning to the old adage “you don’t live forever,” and, frankly, the fear of leaving this world without following the path I knew was mine, left a huge knot in my belly.
Sometime later, while dining with friends, I was asked about my plans in terms of the IHE program. While explaining that I would begin the program once I completed the Master’s I was then pursuing, I began to wonder why I was so tied to the safe choice. During our conversation, I excused myself to wash my hands, all the while thinking about my choices, wondering why I had been avoiding what seemed to be so right for me. As I lathered the soap, staring myself in the mirror, I knew I would make the change and apply for the Master’s program. In what I have come to refer to as my “bathroom epiphany,” I washed my hands of the old, ultra-cautious me and embraced my future as a humane educator. I have yet to look back.
I began the Master’s program just over a year ago and have learned more than I ever imagined. The coursework has challenged me both academically and emotionally, yet I find myself engaged in the most stimulating learning I have ever been a part of. Despite the distance between myself and my classmates, I have made lifelong friends and feel that I have a network of humane educator support through the online classroom.
The program has encouraged me to become more active in my community. I have been drawn to work and volunteer for environmental causes and am always finding ways to incorporate humane education into these efforts. I have also been able to integrate the knowledge I have gained working with my students at the college where I teach English. The enriching thing about this field is that the opportunities are endless; I share what I am learning and feel that I am doing my small part in creating a more humane world.
November 22, 2008 - 9:30 am to November 22, 2008 - 6:00 pm | Location: University of Central Florida, Student Union, Cape Florida Room 316A and B
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