in the same ways that Jeff has? Well, you can follow in his footsteps! Start by going to the sources: books, magazines, and Web sites are great resources of information. Jeff says, “Read up on areas and animals that interest you.”
Even better, interact with other people who share an interest in nature! Sign up for classes, attend nature camps, or volunteer at a local science center or preserve. And, of course, try your best to do well in school. School would have been easier for Jeff if he had been able to study hard and get better grades. Jeff reminds kids, “Your formal education is crucial. These things will help you hone in on an area of naturalism that most appeals to you. The most important thing is to be active and involved.”
Jeff firmly believes that if kids work hard and trust in themselves, there is very little they cannot achieve. There may be obstacles to achieving your dreams—there were for him! “Many people in my life thought my goals were impossible or silly and that they wouldn’t materialize. But I didn’t believe them,” Jeff says. He learned that the people who really succeed are those who are persistent. He offers, “If there isn’t a path carved out for you, blaze a new trail. Carve your own path; find alternative ways to get there. Always believe in yourself because no one else will. Retain personal passion, drive, and the confidence that you can do it.”
CHAPTER SIX
where everybody Knows Your Name
Jeff Corwin’s fans know him as the funny, charm ing face of animal conservation. But who is Jeff when the cameras have shut off? Jeff wears many hats in his life: he is a husband, a father, a runner, a chef . . . you name it! Let’s take a look inside what it’s like being Jeff Corwin!
When it comes to life experiences, Jeff Corwin has seen and done a lot! Take his television appearances for example. Not only does Jeff have his own shows, but he has been featured on Iron Chef America, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Today, Good Morning America, The Early Show, Access Hollywood, and Extra. He even made a cameo appearance on an episode of the hit crime show CSI: Miami , in which he helped detectives retrieve a human foot from inside a live crocodile. Jeff won an Emmy for Best Performer in a Children’s Series, and Men’s Journal once called him “the world’s greatest animal show host.” Jeff appeared in Maxim ’s fall fashion issue and on Entertainment Weekly ’s highly regarded It List.
And then there’re the places he’s been! Jeff says, “I’ve been around the world probably five or six times. There are countries that few people go to, like Borneo, that I’ve been to many times. I go to Africa probably three or four times a year. But there are still a few places out there that I’m longing to go . . . like Antarctica and mainland China, especially to see the giant Chinese salamander.”
Despite Jeff’s fame and incredible achievements, he still feels he is a humble guy. And his family helps him stay that way. As Jeff’s wife, Natasha, said when People magazine named him one of the Most Beautiful People, “Okay, Mr. Beautiful, take out the trash.” Jeff’s family is proud of him, of course. But it’s not because of his success on television. They just appreciate that Jeff is a good son, husband, and father. He says, “I don’t live in a TV world. I live a regular life. I don’t live around a lot of animals. . . . I live five miles from where I grew up.” To Jeff, fame is just a moment in his life—it’s fleeting. And that’s okay, because he knows that, at heart, he will always be a conservationist and naturalist.
Jeff realizes the blessings in his life: “My career has a value. It is a tool to allow me to share the message I want to share, and to build a life for my family that I want them to have. But that’s all it is, and life outside of that with friends and family is far more significant.”
Downtime is rare in Jeff’s
Even better, interact with other people who share an interest in nature! Sign up for classes, attend nature camps, or volunteer at a local science center or preserve. And, of course, try your best to do well in school. School would have been easier for Jeff if he had been able to study hard and get better grades. Jeff reminds kids, “Your formal education is crucial. These things will help you hone in on an area of naturalism that most appeals to you. The most important thing is to be active and involved.”
Jeff firmly believes that if kids work hard and trust in themselves, there is very little they cannot achieve. There may be obstacles to achieving your dreams—there were for him! “Many people in my life thought my goals were impossible or silly and that they wouldn’t materialize. But I didn’t believe them,” Jeff says. He learned that the people who really succeed are those who are persistent. He offers, “If there isn’t a path carved out for you, blaze a new trail. Carve your own path; find alternative ways to get there. Always believe in yourself because no one else will. Retain personal passion, drive, and the confidence that you can do it.”
CHAPTER SIX
where everybody Knows Your Name
Jeff Corwin’s fans know him as the funny, charm ing face of animal conservation. But who is Jeff when the cameras have shut off? Jeff wears many hats in his life: he is a husband, a father, a runner, a chef . . . you name it! Let’s take a look inside what it’s like being Jeff Corwin!
When it comes to life experiences, Jeff Corwin has seen and done a lot! Take his television appearances for example. Not only does Jeff have his own shows, but he has been featured on Iron Chef America, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Today, Good Morning America, The Early Show, Access Hollywood, and Extra. He even made a cameo appearance on an episode of the hit crime show CSI: Miami , in which he helped detectives retrieve a human foot from inside a live crocodile. Jeff won an Emmy for Best Performer in a Children’s Series, and Men’s Journal once called him “the world’s greatest animal show host.” Jeff appeared in Maxim ’s fall fashion issue and on Entertainment Weekly ’s highly regarded It List.
And then there’re the places he’s been! Jeff says, “I’ve been around the world probably five or six times. There are countries that few people go to, like Borneo, that I’ve been to many times. I go to Africa probably three or four times a year. But there are still a few places out there that I’m longing to go . . . like Antarctica and mainland China, especially to see the giant Chinese salamander.”
Despite Jeff’s fame and incredible achievements, he still feels he is a humble guy. And his family helps him stay that way. As Jeff’s wife, Natasha, said when People magazine named him one of the Most Beautiful People, “Okay, Mr. Beautiful, take out the trash.” Jeff’s family is proud of him, of course. But it’s not because of his success on television. They just appreciate that Jeff is a good son, husband, and father. He says, “I don’t live in a TV world. I live a regular life. I don’t live around a lot of animals. . . . I live five miles from where I grew up.” To Jeff, fame is just a moment in his life—it’s fleeting. And that’s okay, because he knows that, at heart, he will always be a conservationist and naturalist.
Jeff realizes the blessings in his life: “My career has a value. It is a tool to allow me to share the message I want to share, and to build a life for my family that I want them to have. But that’s all it is, and life outside of that with friends and family is far more significant.”
Downtime is rare in Jeff’s