Hello, my name is Elissa and I am a student at Plumpton College. Plumpton College is known for being an animal-based/agricultural college where students can gain knowledge that they may not gain in other colleges. I chose to go to Plumpton as I have always had a passion to work with and protect animals. Ever since I was little I knew I wanted to work with animals, hence why now I am now raising money for a sea turtle conservation programme in Kefalonia, Greece to explore new opportunities and help me turn my passion into purpose. Greece is one of the most important nesting countries in the Mediterranean, with key nesting beaches including Kefalonia, Zakynthos, and Crete. Without protecting this (already listed ‘Vulnerable’ - IUCN Red List) species, the loggerhead sea turtles become even more at risk of extinction.

Volunteering with this sea turtle conservation programme means so much to me because protecting animals has always been close to my heart. Sea turtles are such gentle, incredible creatures, yet they face so many dangers from pollution, climate change, and human impact. Sea turtles face so many threats throughout their lives, and that’s one of the reasons this cause means so much to me. From the moment they hatch, their survival is uncertain. Artificial lights near beaches can confuse hatchlings, leading them away from the sea. Many are taken by predators before they even reach the water. In the ocean, they face plastic pollution, often mistaking it for food, which can be fatal. Fishing nets and boat strikes injure or kill thousands every year, and climate change is warming nesting beaches, affecting hatchling survival rates.

Knowing how much they endure just to survive makes me even more determined to help protect them. Even small conservation efforts — like monitoring nests, protecting hatchlings, and educating the public — can make a life-saving difference. I want to be part of that difference.

This opportunity isn’t just about travel — it’s about purpose. It’s about standing up for wildlife that can’t protect itself and gaining real, hands-on experience in conservation work that I hope to build my future around. I am passionate about working with animals and learning how to care for them properly, and this programme will allow me to grow, learn, and make a genuine difference. Any support will not only help me follow my dream, but will directly contribute to protecting these beautiful animals and preserving our oceans for future generations.