If you’ve visited the museum lately, then chances are good that you were greeted by Isaiah’s warm smile and friendly attitude!
Get to know Isaiah in the interview below.
WHAT’S YOUR WORKDAY LIKE?
A typical workday for me includes either working the main gate, front desk or gift shop where I assist guests with admissions, information on ongoing/upcoming events, and helping with any other questions/needs they may have as best I can. In fact, since I am pretty much the first face our visitors see, it is important that I help contribute to their overall positive experience of our museum!
ANY FUNNY WORK STORIES?
Once, the infamous Corey Wright pranked me.
Corey alerted me that a guest of his would be coming by with the name Chris P. Bacon – as he pronounced it. This went straight over my head, of course.
Shortly after, I realized that he was actually saying “Crispy Bacon” and in return, I said to Corey, “Mr. Crispy Bacon is here to see his guest “Grits and Eggs”!
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND & EDUCATION
I was born in Jackson, MS but I grew up in Opelousas, LA where I lived with my mom and two younger brothers. I graduated high school there and moved back to Jackson to attend college. Currently, I am enrolled at Hinds Community College in Pearl, MS where I am pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
A few hobbies I have are baking which I have shared with my fellow coworkers and I also love to travel. I drive a lot. This summer, I drove to California and back on my own over a two-week span. Other than that, driving trips that consist of 3-8 hours are my usual scene, lol.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS CAREER?
I chose this career because I knew it would be a great stepping-stone while I’m in college to get a chance to work in a completely different environment than what I’m used to and learn about Mississippi wildlife.
Though I came into this position with little knowledge of wildlife, I’ve learned a great deal about different species and factors that contribute to Mississippi’s beautiful wildlife.
I invite others to come and visit our museum and take advantage of our volunteer opportunities to get you more acclimated to what we do here at MDWFP’s Mississippi Museum of Natural Science!
HOW DOES YOUR JOB CONTRIBUTE TO CONSERVATION?
I am able to guide visitors to talk to our conservation educators and biologists to satisfy their questions and or needs.
At the same time, I am learning, so I am able to forward that knowledge to the next guest who may have a question along the same lines!
ANY ADVICE FOR A STUDENT INTERESTED IN A BIOLOGY OR MUSEUM CAREER?
Whether you’re in school, retired, or a baker, I suggest pursuing your interest in biology or a museum career by visiting our museum!
Come explore the exhibits, further your knowledge of research and collections from our team, and see what else interests you!
