Apes and Appetizers: Dinner with Jane Goodall by Evan

Apes and Appetizers: Dinner with Jane Goodall by Evan - February 2016 Scholarship Essay

Jane Goodall has been a pioneer in many ways. As one the first scientists to take an interest in the social interactions of chimps, she is a revolutionary figure in primatology and anthropology, fields that were primarily male dominated at the time she began her studies. Undaunted, she made history and followed her dreams. If I could have dinner with any historical figure, I would undoubtedly choose to dine with Jane Goodall, due to her fearlessness, self-confidence, and empathetic world view.
Jane Goodall has worn many hats in her lifetime. She is a primatologist, anthropologist, ethologist, and a UN Messenger of Peace. Needless to say, there would not be a moment of silence if we were to have dinner together, as she would be full of stories and advice, having spent the last 81 years devoted to science and bettering our understanding of the world’s other inhabitants. 55 of those years were spent exclusively studying chimpanzees and educating others on the primates and why they, along with the rest of nature, should be conserved and preserved. Additionally, as a young woman contemplating a career in research, I look up to and appreciate Jane Goodall’s work to break down the barriers that have traditionally kept women out of the field. In fact, if I were to actually have dinner with her, I may be too awe-struck to actually make conversation. She has made such a mark on the world and forwarded so many noble causes in the last several decades, and has become an inspiration to many people. This is partly because she did not view the chimps she studied solely as scientific subjects, instead naming rather than numbering them, and getting to know each individual chimp’s personality and temperament. She was respectful and reverent of the nature she observed, and fought to make others see that the chimpanzees were not simply test subjects, but sentient beings with their own complex social systems and hierarchies. The chimps were essentially treated as her equals; she acted as if they were humans rather than animals, and believed they should be shown courtesy and respect as they all had an inherent worth as living creatures. I would love to discuss her view points on related animal rights subjects, such as cosmetic testing on animals, an issue that I personally am passionate about, and I feel as though she would have a strong opinion on it as well. I have so many questions I would love to ask her, and I am extremely motivated by all she has accomplished, regardless of what others said she could or could not do.
There is no contest: Jane Goodall would be the ultimate historical dinner companion. She is world renowned for her scientific breakthroughs, yet has never been cold and clinical; in fact, she has always appeared passionate about her work. I admire this, and would like to learn more, first hand, about this incredible scientist and person. As she once said, “every individual matters, every individual has a role to play, every individual makes a difference.” Well, Jane Goodall has certainly made a difference in my life; she has served as an inspiration to me, and I strive to emulate her compassion and tenacity as I embark on the next phase of my life.