AS A BOY, John Kerr wanted to be a fireman or a park ranger. Looking back on that childhood fantasy, he says, "I think it was the hat."
Instead, he spent four decades at WGBH in Boston, one of public broadcasting's flagship stations. He retired in 2005 at the age of 65 without any particular post career goal in mind. After several idle weeks, he decided to drive his camper to visit family in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
En route, he casually stopped at the Yellowstone Park Foundation, which raises funds for Yellowstone, America's first national park. As it happens, the foundation was hiring people to educate park guests on wolves. Kerr signed on. Later, at the urging of his daughter, a forestry school graduate, Kerr applied to the Student Conservation Association for an internship.
To say that Kerr stood out in the intern crowd is a massive understatement. Most interns were college and even high school students. But, in a sense, he had been primed for this since his youth. His outdoor adventures with his grandfather had given him a love of nature, and, as an adult, he had helped out at the local fire department on medical calls.
He also had something else. There are 31 million Americans between the ages of 44 and 70-some retired and looking for a third act, some looking for a more fulfilling career-searching for something where they feel as if they're making contribution, a doing something to make their neighborhood, their country, their world just a little bit better. Kerr also had that deep urge to do something more.
This story is from the February 2023 edition of Reader's Digest US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 2023 edition of Reader's Digest US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Why Water Workouts Work
Swimming and other aquatic exercises have special benefits
A Week Under My Son's Roof
When roles reverse, it’s payback time
Cue the BBQ
A bowl of bulgogi is a treat for your taste buds
Surf's Up... Again
A Hawaiian helps victims of a devastating fire in the most Hawaiian way possible
IS EVERYONE ON OZEMPIC?
Everything you need to know about the new diabetes drugs shaping the weight-loss revolution
Hey Dad, Can You Help Me Return the Picasso I Stole?
A painting went missing in 1969, then turned up at a museums doorstep. No one knew how or why—until now.
WHEN A SNAKE FELL FROM THE SKY
THE WOMAN ON THE LAWN MOWER THOUGHT THAT WAS BADESPECIALLY WHEN IT HIT HER. THEN THE HAWK SWOOPED IN.
Popping the Question
Engagement stories from both sides of the bend
HOA HORROR STORIES
The good, the bad and the utterly bizarre!
Doing Dad's Bucket List
Laura Carney's father died suddenly, with unfinished business. So she started checking off the items for him.