Tatiana Hernandez, Reception Representative/Educator
Tatiana has quickly become an important part of the museum’s team. Maybe she’s greeted you with her welcoming smile at the museum or spoken to you on the phone. She goes above and beyond to answer your questions and to make sure that you receive excellent customer service.
Read on to get to know Tatiana better.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR THE MUSEUM?
I’ve been working at the museum for nine months.
WHAT’S YOUR WORKDAY LIKE?
Some days, you’ll find me at the front desk taking calls and messages. I greet visitors, take admission, and may answer questions about memberships. I think that a membership is a great way for our visitors to get closer to the museum and enjoy more benefits.
Other days, you‘ll find me in the preschool room where I get to meet all the little curious minds walking in wanting to learn a thing or two about nature and animals.
I also help out as much as I can with museum events throughout the year.
ANY FUNNY WORK STORIES?
I was getting ready to make an announcement over the intercom for all our visitors throughout the museum to hear. Two coworkers were close by and I guess the pressure of being watched made me forget what I was saying. So, I just froze and looked at my coworker. Luckily, she already had her finger on the hook switch and pressed it in time before anyone else around me, including myself, was heard laughing over the intercom.
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF
I was born in Mexico and grew up in the U.S. I went to Clinton, MS schools from kindergarten to high school but moved my senior year of high school and graduated in Houston, Texas. I then moved back with my family to Clinton, where I have stayed raising my daughter. I enjoy cycling, being outdoors, walking on trails, and going on hikes. I also enjoy doing a little bit of hunting and fishing.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS CAREER?
I can’t imagine working anywhere else! I have a passion for all living things and learning about new things. Being able to work at the museum really inspired me to find new things I care about.
HOW DOES YOUR JOB CONTRIBUTE TO CONSERVATION?
As part of my job, I get asked questions by visitors about animals. I also get many calls where people want to know what they should do if they come across a specific animal - like birds, turtles, and even snakes - and who to talk to about it.
I also like to help people understand endangered species when they have questions. I’ll do a little research myself to find ways of helping and to collect information about that animal.
ANY ADVICE FOR A STUDENT INTERESTED IN A BIOLOGY OR MUSEUM CAREER?
VOLUNTEER! This is a great career field for students interested in wildlife, or anybody of any age. It’s fun and you get to learn many different things while being here.
