As a kid, my room was filled with stuffed animals, from my meerkat named CVS to Sheepy the sheep, I had every species, type, and breed of animal. My jungle-themed bed sheets matched the snaking faux ivy covering my walls. Every inch of my room allowed my imagination to soar to the animal world. My obsession with animals stemmed from my introduction to primatologist Jane Goodall.

Jane Goodall was a philanthropist and anthropologist who spent 60 years studying and forming relationships with chimpanzees in Tanzania. Her research on chimpanzee behavior in Tanzania led to a breakthrough in our understanding of animal cognition. By observing chimpanzees, Goodall discovered the traits that they share with humans: the use of tools, complex emotions and relationships, organized warfare, and generational knowledge. Her findings challenged what was known about animal intelligence and disproved the perception of humans having superior minds and intellect. After her time in Africa, Jane Goodall became an environmental and animal activist.

Jane Goodall’s passing on October 1, 2025, brought me back to the role she played in my own childhood. I started re-reading picture books, graphic novels, and biographies to remember her as a friend and teacher.

At five years old, I spent most of my time at the Silverlake public library, where I could spend hours perusing the shelves looking for a new story. The beautiful colors and illustrations were the first things about Patrick McDonnell’s picture book Me…Jane that captured my attention. As I started to read the book, I found the delightful stories of young Jane Goodall’s adventures. My favorite story in the book has always been Goodall’s discovery of how a chicken lays an egg. She spends hours sitting in a chicken coop waiting and observing until a chicken lays an egg. After reading Me…Jane, I went to Rustic Canyon with my parents to forage for California golden chanterelles, my favorite edible and massive mushrooms that are notoriously popular but hard to find. My frustration while I searched and searched was almost enough to end my adventure, but Goodall’s perseverance helped me remember the power of patience. After hours, we discovered a chanterelle that was 12 inches long, orange, and tasted suspiciously like chicken.

At the end of my 3rd grade year, my teacher gave each person in my class a Who Is/Was book based on what she thought of us. I was given Who Is Jane Goodall? To me, this was, and is, one of the best possible compliments. I learned about Goodall’s time with her mentor, Louis Leakey, and how his guidance and support shaped her path. Goodall’s life did not take a direct route, but she was able to do and learn the things that were important to her.

When I was a little older, the book Primates: The Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Biruté Galdikas, written by Jim Ottaviani and illustrated by Maris Wicks, became my favorite graphic novel. I spent hours poring over this book, re-reading the discoveries of these three primate-loving women. The book details all three women’s contributions to our knowledge of the primate world and their closest primate friends: David Greybeard and Digit. The book highlights Jane Goodall’s experience and contributions to the “Trimates” (the trio of women’s unofficial name). 

I recently watched Jane Goodall’s interview on Netflix’s docuseries Famous Last Words. In this interview, Goodall said, “Each and every one of you has a role to play. You may not know it, you may not find it, but your life matters and you are here for a reason.” As I get older and start to make decisions about college and beyond, I will carry Jane Goodall’s words of advice about purpose and goals.

As Jane Goodall’s stories grew with me, I discovered who I was, and kept exploring her expansive life and accomplishments. Jane Goodall’s life and legacy continue to shape my actions, from going to a protest to spending time with family or in nature. She showed me what it means to care about something outside of yourself and to prove yourself by taking action. With my friends and family, I hope to take these lessons in being patient, understanding a new perspective, and learn from everyone I meet. Goodall will be someone whose words and adventures inspire me to dream and to defy, and someone whom I have learned how to be passionate from. Every time I open a book or watch a movie, I will remember sitting in the library rereading my favorite story about Jane Goodall.