By: Yamilet Aponte Claudio
After almost a decade in the United States, the veterinary technician found Conservation Opportunity as a bridge to reconnect with her country and apply her knowledge at the San Juan National Historic Site.
With the aim of strengthening wildlife health strategies and the management of species in the San Juan National Historic Site, Mariela Gómez, a veterinary technician, returned to Puerto Rico from the diaspora to integrate herself as a Wildlife and Invasive Species Health Technician at that federal agency. The graduate of the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus (RUM), managed to be included in this opportunity of the program Scientists in Parks after connecting with the call through the Conservation Opportunity platforms.
After graduating in 2016, Gómez lived for almost eight years between Massachusetts and Rhode Island, where she worked in high-demand veterinary clinics and in the pet insurance industry. Despite the stability of her work abroad, the family separation and the aspiration to combine veterinary medicine with environmental conservation remained strong in her determination to return to the country.
“Professionally speaking, I may have left everything behind, but there was always a desire to contribute to the land that nurtured me. My partner and I wanted to return, but I didn’t want to do so without some certainty. This opportunity came at the right time,” said Gómez about his return to the island.
Within the Wildlife Sciences Office (Wildlife Science) of the park, a program recently established at the entity, Gómez assumes responsibilities focused on the development of Specific Action Protocols (SOPs). These documents integrate the guidelines of the American Veterinary Medical Association under the multidisciplinary approach of One Health.
According to Gómez, the transition to the drafting of institutional technical documents represented a significant challenge. However, his previous experience establishing work protocols in veterinary clinics facilitated the adaptation to the requirements of the federal environment.
What began as an initial three-month phase between February and April culminated in an extension of the contract for an additional 52 weeks. This renewal will allow the Puerto Rican to continue collaborating in the park, directly contributing to the structural growth of the program.
Beyond the professional advancement, Gómez highlighted the value that having reinserted himself into the local community and working alongside colleagues with similar goals has had for his personal and professional life.
“I’ve learned that it’s never too late to start again, especially by doing what you’re passionate about. Working with my people and feeling that I’m contributing from the ground up to a federal program in Puerto Rico has been extremely rewarding,” concluded the specialist.
As a non-profit organization, our mission is to connect people with opportunities for growth and development within environmental conservation. Stories like Mariela Gómez’s are pioneering and inspiring for all others interested in observing the opportunities we provide. If you would like to be part of our professional growth offerings, you can access our section opportunities and orient ourselves with our resources from Advance Expo.