Ohio to Hawaii

After graduation I land a job with Cedar Point an amazing amusement park on the shores of Lake Erie. It wasn't my intention to work their but I stopped by a campus job fair for the heck of it. Next thing you know I'm the supervisor of summer employees in the hotel's reservation department. The park hires about 3700 summer staff, mostly college kids. However, I'm recently out of college and start work in the winter. (February) The park is a ghost town with only a handfull of crazy full-time staff. Winter's on Lake Erie could be associated with winters in Nome Alaska! Freakin' frozen ice and snow everywhere! The park finally opens in Mid May, weather warms up and swarms of thrill seekers emerge on the park. Cedar Point (CP) is known for its thrill rides mainly its collection of roller coasters. If you haven't visited CP I highly recommend it. I worked at the Hotel Breakers on the beach. Spent most of my days off at the beach as you may tell from above image!! (No tan lines Mel!!) This place is truly a fun place to work at, espcially for college aged kids. Long story short, I spent two seasons with the park and only remember about 1/3 of my time! I do however remember the many faces I've met while working here. Above photo is with Michelle, she hails from CA but drove cross country to work with CP dolphins. (no longer do they have dolphins) She and I used to "hangout" and this is how I came to be involved with dolphins. She got a job at Dolphin Quest Hawaii,(DQ) I stayed back in Ohio for my second season with CP. Then after saving some $$$$ I flew out to Hawaii for a vacation. In 1994 Dolphin Quest dolphins were in the middle of giving birth to their first babies. I was in the right place at the right time!! I volunteered most of my vacation time at the lagoon during all the births of the dolphins. After my vacation I fly back to Ohio. No serious job lined up. I get a phone call from the then Managers of DQ about 7 days after my return home to Ohio, they offered me a job with them. No "formal" interview or serious questions but more like "would you like to live and work in Hawaii?" Ahhhhhhh hell yeah! Okay can you start next week? Ahhhhhh hell yeah!! Next thing you know I'm packing my belongings for paradise.

Goodbye Cedar Point Ohio and Aloha to Hawaii.

Dolphin Quest Hawaii located at the Hilton Waikoloa Village. Then 6 Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins. I've been in Hawaii ever since landing the job with DQ. 1994. Just about 14 years and counting. Michelle still works for the company however I have since left DQ and searching for a new career. CP was a fun job right out of college but here I land my career. Yes, this place is fun and who doesn't like dolphins, beach, sun and ocean? At first it was tough for me to adjust to island life but knew I needed to make it here cause I didn't want to live in Ohio anymore. Within one year of landing my "dream job" in Hawaii, the company sends me off to work and live at their Tahiti location. Of course I have no problems with this move! Working and living in Tahiti is a whole other blog post for the future.

But long story short, I was in the right place at the right time, knew some certain people to get my "feet wet" and with a degree in Business Admin I was off and swimming with the dolphins!! So much for the degree. Now I consider myself with an "honorary degree" in marine biology, zoology, vet medicine and animal physcology!!

If anyone is interested working with marine mammals as a career, these days they don't hire as they did like me so, I strongly suggest a four year school with marine sciences and interships in the off season. Joing the International Marine Animal Trainers Assoc. IMATA is a good start for info, networking & career notices.

Various jobs are offered with a variety of dolphin compaines. I was fortuante enough to have fun with dolphins in all aspects. Underwater photography and videography was a blast. Mom and calf swimming right up to you. Pregnant moms rubbing their big bellies on you and your camera equipment. Many stories to tell from underwater!!

Here are just a few images captured over the years! Enjoy! Oh and speaking of mom and baby dolphins, HAPPY MOTHERS DAY to all bloggin mothers out their!! Enjoy your day!!

**I understand we all have opinions/comments on certain "sensitive" topics and would respect/appreciate anyone who would like to express their concerns to contact me via my email. Thank you for understanding this is not the forum for certain issues.**