Spring Break
HSU alumna works with dolphins, other marine life
Henderson Public Relations
Issue date: 3/5/07 Section: News
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Kristi Davis Thompson graduated from Henderson in 1995 with a degree in education, specializing in physical education with a sports medicine emphasis. She has a dance/theater minor.
Twelve years later, is Thompson a teacher?
No.
A physical education teacher or a sports trainer?
No.
A professional dancer or actor?
No.
Thompson is a marine mammal specialist working with dolphins, sea lions and many other species. She is currently the director of marine operations of a new facility at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas.
So how did Thompson stray from her academic specialties and end up in the water with sea creatures?
"It's something I always wanted to do," Thompson said. She recently visited the campus. "I love animals … dolphins, sharks … I love it. My degree was kind of like my backup."
But her education has played a big part in her success as a marine specialist. "The job I do requires a lot of behavior which, in education, you learn a lot about," Thompson said. "I found that human behavior and animal behavior are very similar. Sometimes I think the animals are easier."
Although Thompson is not using her education as practically as many others do, she still has found her knowledge useful.
"[My studies] taught me a lot of things to be a leader, motivator, planner and organizer," Thompson said. "I believe that's what pushed me to the top so fast."
After graduating from Ouachita High School in 1990, Thompson came to Henderson, where she participated in many activities. Thompson was a member of Heart and Key, the Red and Gray Line, the dance company and many other organizations.
Thompson did teach for about 18 months after graduation. But her desire to work with marine mammals was too strong. She mailed resumes to marine facilities across the country, but couldn't find a job because of her inexperience. Thompson finally opted for a non-paying internship at Theater of the Sea in the Florida Keys.
Twelve years later, is Thompson a teacher?
No.
A physical education teacher or a sports trainer?
No.
A professional dancer or actor?
No.
Thompson is a marine mammal specialist working with dolphins, sea lions and many other species. She is currently the director of marine operations of a new facility at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas.
So how did Thompson stray from her academic specialties and end up in the water with sea creatures?
"It's something I always wanted to do," Thompson said. She recently visited the campus. "I love animals … dolphins, sharks … I love it. My degree was kind of like my backup."
But her education has played a big part in her success as a marine specialist. "The job I do requires a lot of behavior which, in education, you learn a lot about," Thompson said. "I found that human behavior and animal behavior are very similar. Sometimes I think the animals are easier."
Although Thompson is not using her education as practically as many others do, she still has found her knowledge useful.
"[My studies] taught me a lot of things to be a leader, motivator, planner and organizer," Thompson said. "I believe that's what pushed me to the top so fast."
After graduating from Ouachita High School in 1990, Thompson came to Henderson, where she participated in many activities. Thompson was a member of Heart and Key, the Red and Gray Line, the dance company and many other organizations.
Thompson did teach for about 18 months after graduation. But her desire to work with marine mammals was too strong. She mailed resumes to marine facilities across the country, but couldn't find a job because of her inexperience. Thompson finally opted for a non-paying internship at Theater of the Sea in the Florida Keys.
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