When she was in the second grade, high school student and Roots and Shoots member Erin Monroe dressed up as Jane Goodall for a school project, excited to tell everyone everything they needed to know about her favorite scientist. “Dr. Jane Goodall has been an inspiration to me since even before I truly understood the work that she did, catching my attention because of the fact that she got to work with animals for her entire career, which seemed like the perfect life to me.” When Goodall was just a young girl fascinated with the stories of Tarzan and Dr. Doolittle, did she ever imagine that one day youth all around the world would grow up with that same fascination for her own story?
To celebrate her 87th birthday today, I am sharing some of the ways in which Dr. Jane Goodall has inspired and impacted me and members of my community. Through her groundbreaking work at Gombe, her empowerment of youth with Roots and Shoots, and her continued advocacy for the planet and all those who inhabit it, Dr. Jane has touched all of our lives in some way.
Since that class presentation in second grade, Monroe has continued to admire and relate to Goodall as a woman in science and as someone whose ultimate goal is to study animals in the wild. Goodall’s success showed Monroe that it was possible to make a career out of something she is truly passionate about. “Thanks to Jane, I’ve remained inspired to pursue my actual interests, rather than those that others try to impose on me, and I’ll continue to watch every documentary and read every book that comes out about her, because every time I learn something new about Dr. Jane, it just makes me appreciate her even more.” This appreciation for Goodall led Monroe to join Roots and Shoots, a program of the Jane Goodall Institute and a global movement of youth who are empowered to use their voice and actions to make compassionate decisions. As a member of Roots and Shoots NYLC, I am especially impacted by Dr. Jane’s faith in young people and our ability to create a more sustainable future. I really love how she highlights the work that we are doing now as youth and pushes back on the idea that one can be “too young” to make a real difference. Naisha Gaur, a sophomore in high school and Roots and Shoots member, reflects on how sometimes our generation is portrayed in a negative light but how Dr. Jane’s perspective is completely different. “What is really remarkable about Jane Goodall is that she directly reaches out to youth and believes in kids like me to be able to make a difference. While many other adults think of our generation as self-absorbed and addicted to phones and technology, Jane can see the potential in the next generation of change makers, and that is a trait that many do not possess.”
image by ayushi gaur
Projects on Roots and Shoots are not just limited to environmental causes. Youth led projects include but are not limited to initiatives focused on homelessness, LGBTQ+ rights, recycling, and hunger in our communities. Dr. Jane is an inspiration to change-makers everywhere no matter what their focus is. “Goodall's approach to serving chimpanzees (and the environment in general) has shaped my approach to all service,” says Reverend Hester Mathes of the Church of the Holy Communion. “We never come in with all the answers, but by walking alongside those we serve, we not only learn how to help, but we are transformed by what they teach us as well.” Reverend Mathes says she was fortunate enough to meet Goodall when she visited St. George's Independent School while Mathes was on the faculty. She reflects on how as a human, it’s hard not to do more harm than good when it comes to interfering with the natural world. She feels it took Goodall’s “grace and curiosity to make a profound impact on our understanding of the chimpanzees she studied. She knew how to fight for what she believed in, but modelled speaking the truth in love so that she met people where they were and brought them on board instead of leaving a trail of enemies.” Dr. Jane’s ability to connect with those who do not immediately agree with her is something I feel we should all aspire to.
On her birthday today, we celebrate the amazing work that Dr. Jane Goodall has done throughout her 87 years on this planet and recognizes the impact she has made on people in all disciplines and of all backgrounds. “Hope is her main message,” says Naisha Gaur, “despite the fact that there is so much bad going on in the world that she could focus on, she does not let that make her lose hope and stop taking action. Jane Goodall is an amazing figure for all of us and we are all grateful for her hope guiding us to a better future.” Happy birthday Dr. Jane! 🎉