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November 21, 2008

Is my life boring or what?

Posted: 04:47 PM ET

Coordinating Producer Mike

Inside Kate's circus train compartment

Inside Kate's circus train compartment.

Our feature story this week started with an unremarkable photo uploaded to iReport.com about “living in small spaces”. Kate Meinhardt sent in a picture of her tiny, cramped room aboard a circus railway car. It wasn’t the photo that caught my attention so much as it was the idea of living in a glorified shoebox while riding the rails with a circus. A few more mouse clicks and I stumbled on Kate’s big top blog. I dialed her up and got the rest of the story.

Fresh out of college and frustrated with a fruitless job, Kate threw caution to the wind and ran off with the Ringling Brothers. Yes, it was a once in a lifetime adventure, but Kate had her eyes on a bigger prize: career advancement. Her gig with the circus opened the door to her current job as a Zookeeper. However, that success came at a price. Kate suffered a terrible, life-changing injury during her circus stint; but it ultimately made her a stronger person and her attitude and optimism amazed us all.

We were lucky to stumble across Kate’s story, and it serves as a good reminder that every person you meet, every stranger you see in the street, on the subway, at the store, in church, has a story worth telling. What’s yours? We’d love to hear it.

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Filed under: Behind the Scenes • Extras


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Jo Ann   November 23rd, 2008 6:21 am ET

She ought be ashame of herself, watching Elephants crawling out of train cars, Elephants walking on hard payment, that is cruelty. They weren't born to entertainment people, they were born to roam and connect with their families like us. So if she is proud of herself, many don't see it her way. I have been bored with my life, but I certainly wouldn't go the route she did, in the expense of beautiful animals that need to be in their own environment. They don't have a voice, so I am using my voice. Kate, lets chain you up like they do with the Elephants, just to see how you would like it, no able to move in a way you aren't use too. I bet you would rethink this, personally I think you are ignorant to the fact of real happiness in life, and you are a very ignorant person, along with the rest of those poor excuse for humans that work at these circues

Quinton   November 23rd, 2008 2:31 pm ET

I think Kate is amazing. What a hottie! I think people need to keep their mouths shut when it comes to calling animal care people ignorant. The dedication, time and love that comes with working for animals is amazing. Bravo, Kate! I hope you become rich and famous for this story. Your story reminded me of Britney's new CD- "Circus". Maybe the ignorant one is Jo Ann and the rest of animal protesters who don't know what they are fighting for.

Rock on Kate!

Maddy   November 24th, 2008 11:20 am ET

Hmmm.. I was reading Jo Anns comment but I could not decipher what she was trying to say. Fragmented sentences, incorrect grammar useage, etc really made it difficult to read. I think what she was trying to convey is the fact that Kate should be very proud of herself. These animals are there for a reason and she gives them as much love and care that is humanly possible. Jo ann if you would really like to make a difference stop living out your fantasies in the computer world and actually do something that makes a difference. Whine whine, blah blah thats really all I got from your post.

Grace Smith   November 24th, 2008 8:51 pm ET

What a story, loved it.

kathy meinhardt (mom)   November 25th, 2008 10:19 am ET

Kate grew up the youngest of 4 and the only girl. You did a wonderful job a capturing her spirit and her passion! Her dad and I could not be prouder of the wonderful, caring, bright, passionate young woman she has become! In a world that often displays an entitlement mentality, Kate went out and worked really hard for what she wanted. She paid a price but no one promised it would be easy-and she is living her dream every single day. Thanks for a wonderful story!

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