Farewell, Montana 

This is my favorite episode of The Brain Scoop. I've been asked to return to UM and give a lecture on my museum experiences, this program, and the future of it all. This video captured the last time I was in that collection, my exact moment of departure, and I cannot wait until March when I get to go see it again after being away nearly 2 years.

Mr. Aranda did a great job capturing Emily's transition to a place where she would see her passion and effort met with similar enthusiasm. I may or may not have cried a little.

I'm not even kidding, have you thought about submitting this in the short film category at film festivals?

(1:25) "…I just feel like I've fought so hard, and it hasn't gotten me anywhere with expanding our space or getting more funding." It seems to be a sad commentary on our entire generation that hard work fails to generate success, but I'm glad that you have found a new place, and I look forward to watching more Brain Scoop.

I was rewatching this video and was really curious as to what happened to the museum after Emily left it, so I took to google and found the website for the museum. On the staff page, Emily is still listed as an intern. It deeply saddens me to know that the museum has been left in such uninterested hands, and seems to be so forgotten that they haven't even updated the website in 3 years.

I only discovered this channel a few weeks ago and stumbled onto this video. I did not realize Emily was from Montana and assumed that she always worked in the Field Museum. So learning that she knew Michael and Hank, and that she didn't even major in a science field was surprising, to say the least. The sheer juxtaposition between the latest episodes in the Field Museum and this episode with her saying goodbye to this humble collection is nothing less than awe-inspiring. This video was incredibly bittersweet. Emily looked so crestfallen saying goodbye to the university's collection, unknowing what its future would be, if it even had one. But now, in the Field Museum, Emily is so happy. Her curiosity has pushed her into history with the new butterfly species. Seeing someone like Emily, someone who didn't even think she was cut out for science, be passionate about it and continues to fight for its preservation is reassuring, especially with how tumultuous the world is now. Keep doing you, Emily. Keep doing you.

What really inspires me is that Emily was a late bloomer, and that she became so passionate and an active advocate to the public about the beauty and coolness of museums. Thank you. When I go to the Field Museum, I hope I run into you or the people that you have shown in the video to thank you guys.

My very first job out of high school was at The Franklin Institute Science Museum. The floor staff was almost entirely made up of college students, many on work/study programs. Two months after I left they fired the entire floor staff and replaced them with untrained retired volunteers subsidized by government grant. Exchanging an opportunity to expose young minds to the joy of teaching science for a few dollars was a despicable crime. Their attitude towards science was made even clearer when they destroyed a large research library of primary source material, some of which went back as far as the 1820's, to make room for an IMAX theater and a couple of restaurants. A ghost of its former self, it has become totally dependent on income generated by traveling exhibitions created by other museums that are now out of its league. A sad comment on a what was one of America's first and best science museums.

i've only just started watching this series, but i found this one really touching. also, i can't help thinking of the embarrassment of riches poured into sport programs while things that actually matter languish away in forgotten basements

I'm so glad you got to take the racoon. Such a bittersweet episode ♥

I love that title more than anything "Chief Curiosity Correspondent"

I am 54 years old {in 2015}, male, and I got a bit 'choked up' over a stuffed raccoon....

This nearly made me cry. After this show got some publicity from decidedly NON-scientific things I decided to check it out and started watching from the start. After all of these episodes a certain kinship is felt and seeing Emily leave her cozy little museum and volunteer job that borders on full time hobby to move up to working in one of the largest Nat History museums in the world... It's an incredibly inspiring story. Watching her walk through the museum at the end and realizing the magnitude of this change is truly awesome.

This is probably my favorite Brain Scoop video. There is something so special about working in a small collection. You remember the first day you stumbled into it, clueless and impressed and overwhelmed, and yet in a few years' time you unexpectedly find yourself having become one of the experts - knowing every nook and cranny of the collection, the how-to's and the make-do's - with so many crazy and wonderful and horrible stories about it and the time you've spent in there! Nobody else, or very few others, care about or know the collection quite as well as you do, and it's so hard leaving it behind, not knowing what is to happen to all those carefully curated objects. I had an herbarium I had to leave behind once. I'm ecstatic that The Brain Scoop was recognized as a gem that could benefit an even bigger audience by moving to Chicago... but I love that it started because of one person's discovery of and devotion to a small, obscure, but no less valuable, collection. :)

I just started watching the Brain Scoop and this episode touched my heart. If I had any real money, I know what I'd want to do with it - supporting the sciences. In the end, the best way is to make sure our government support the STEM fields and institutions.

I can't stop crying. Emily, you're my favorite. I'll miss the Wright Zoological Museum, and I hope it lives on and continues to inspire.

I love how gentle Michael's voice was every time he asked a question. I know it's already been 3 years and I came super late to the party, but man did I break down at the end. I'm glad to see you're doing well in Chicago, Emily :)

i really hope someone has been taking care of that museum with as much passion and care as she did

I wish these specimens could have been transferred to the Chicago museum as well instead of left in the basement. :(

SO MANY FEELINGS such a beautifully shot video. :)

Emily, you are WAY more than "normal"! You're a marvelous, intelligent, charming young woman. Hang in there, lady, your life is going to be wonderful.

I've seen this episode before and I'm just now returning to it after bingewatching a bunch of older dissections... and I'm emotional, I'm actually crying. So proud of Emily for coming this far and getting this amazing opportunity.

For someone just starting out in college for a degree in science, this video showed me that scientific careers are hard, unpredictable, sometimes discouraging, but still worth it. A love for science makes all that worth it, and, hopefully, helps lead us to a point of redemption. Thanks, Emily

**trying not to cry** **trying not to cry** Oh, no, there go the tears.

Emily has such a great level of passion and love for what she does. I wish I could be just like that with whatever fate will hold in store for me in the future.

Dangit all, this made me cry at the end. (I know, old video, but working my way through the playlist...)

I think this video is so touching :) I think everyone has their "museum" they find hard to leave. For me it was leaving the Navy after four years. Most important thing is to have that "museum " in your heart and never forget it :) Thanks Emily!

Watching this so much later, and I teared up. I hate it when science and knowledge disintegrates because no one values it, no one is willing to pay 😭

The level of feels. Man, life goes on and our squishy biological machines keep going.

You know. You're the goal. To find that passion. The thing you willing to wake up everyday and go to, for no pay, and work for hours. Just cause you love it so much. This channel is amazing and you are amazing.

This video still makes me tear up, just a tiny bit. It's kinda reminiscent of so many transitions.

Baby you got ball and I got RESPECT for you. I am currently going through a fighting phase myself and seeing you letting your hopes take you really helps me when I am particularly morose. So thank you, Next Stop, London.

"I CAN do science! I can do SCIENCE! Science is a thing that I like!"

Emily, I admire and love you more and more with every episode I watch, be it a new one or an old one. Thank you for being here on RU-vid!

An amazing tribute of passion and purpose!

I truly love how she took the raccoon and still has him. It's so weirdly adorable. Especially because she's mentioned how she didnt like opossums or raccoons because they had hands lol. It just seems so perfect and idk why.

I want to find "my museum". I am so clouded, right now, I'm taking Masters in Atmospheric Science and I honestly don't like it. I am not happy, I can't get any funds for my research..I want to find somewhere where I can put my heart on wholeheartedly no matter how far it is from my major. This has been going on for almost 2 years. I need "my museum" by that I mean like what Emily found when she started as an intern. I wanna find that, and stay there, grow there. Sorry for this long comment. Emily, you're awesome!

On the youtube home page, this video randomly came into my mind. I cried.

Congrats on the new position. Sad to see all those samples and such in that storage and state, very sad.

Without this video, I may have stopped watching when Emily went to Chicago. Part of the charm of Brain Scoop has always been that it was at a tucked away little place and it was so driven by Emily's interest. It was not another nature show talking about the same animals that everyone else fixates on. It was mostly Montana, it was raw, it was true.

i watched it again... it is always the same feeling.

Real tears... Emily, your passion is absolutely beautiful. Your courage to put your whole self into a new thing that you found a love for is inspiring. I feel a kinship with you, I just bearly started studying veterinary science after years of studying and working on things I wasn't in love with. This episode really touched my heart

Aw your video made me so sad.. about all the fish in the basement and your little racoon and the leaving..

Yes, Emily you are on your way!!! We love you. I worked in museums and universities for ...lessee ...40 years... and you are ONE OF US!!!

I don't think it's a loss for her. Anyone who is as passionate as her will find a more fulfilling job somewhere else. It's a loss for the university. Shame

Been thinking about the past a lot today and decided to rewatch a few of these old videos. This video made me cry when I watched it four and a half years ago and it still made me cry today.

In India we fucking burned down our NATIONAL NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM. A fucking national museum.Shame on us shame on us

I grew up in St. Louis and our family took regular trips to Chicago throughout my childhood. The field museum was and still is my absolute favorite place to visit when I go there. It is just a wealth of both information and inspiration. I'm sure you'll be very happy there.

Loan the material to the University of Florida In Gainesville, Florida.

Emily, you'll never know how many people have been informed and inspired by your example as a young woman of science! Thanks so much! I look forward to many more revelations from you!

I CRY WHEN I GET TO THE CREDITS

I partly grew up in a university natural history museum, where my grandfather once served as curator. In the days where there was no money, it was his labor of love when he wasn't busy being a mathematics professor. The Field Museum holds an incredible collection, and your enthusiasm for all it contains will never lessen your contribution to the UMZM. You've given me a new appreciation for my grandfather's work. Best wishes to you in this incredible new adventure.

I want to be like you and learn things and work in a museum like you but I don't know where to start :(

the whole video is a feels galore!! dangit its more heart wrenching than sad movies, dangit i need my manliness back!!

3 Seconds in and I'm already crying. Awesome.

This video is a piece of art that should be on display in a museum, it paints such a complete picture.

Man.. this made me really emotional catching just a glimpse of what you must've felt.

Awesome and sad all at the same time. As a Chicago area native, welcome Emily. My family and I love the Field museum, and you will make it just that much better. You have definitely not forgotten to be awesome. Congrats!

I was laid off two days ago. I put so much effort, time, and love into where I worked and it didn't matter. This post makes me feel that what you care so much about matters.

Congratulations I work at the American Museum of Natural History and I totally identify with so many parts of your story! Specimen care can be a challenge in many settings. This has been a great series and I am looking forward to more from a new location! I have loved all of your episodes and this one too. There are so many challenges and I loved it when you said you can interact with the collections, REAL STUFF! Some people think interactivity means a touch screen...

Michael and Emily, I am constantly stunned by how wonderful you both are. Emily with your passion, knowledge, and energy. Michael with the way you are able to tell a story and capture and evoke emotions for us, the viewers. It inspires me to chase after the kind of career I want and I thank you both for that.

I've been in that same situation too. Spent a year interning in museums and did a master's at the V&A in London, learned that for me it's not worth the risk. My parents can't support me while I work for free. Thankfully I've so far been able to make a modest living as a freelance historian and journalist, which I'm very grateful for as it's not common for writers to make a living.

"... it still has brains on it" was very reassuring. "Cream always rises." I'm very happy for you.

I am SO glad there are people like you, who care so deeply and work so hard to keep up these things. Whether it's in Montana or Illinois, you will discover things and share them with others. Keeping that wonder alive is a very noble cause.

It seems appropriate, after this, to watch Thoughts from Dead Animals & then the subsequent very first Brain Scoop. Sincere congratulations! I hope UMZM comes to their senses.

This is by far the sweetest, most touching tribute to dead animals I have ever seen. In all seriousness, Emily is a genuine inspiration. Not only does she make morbidity valuable, educational, and fun, but she embodies the ideal of someone who LOVES their work. I wish you all the best in your new adventures!

Chief Curiosity correspondent? For one of the greatest museums in the world? Montana is beautiful,......but......Wow! Congratulations Emily!

This was great. I love her passion and drive. Very important to have that. I wish her all the best in success!

Thank You for coming to CHICAGO!!!!!! I really appreciate it. P.S. This almost made me cry. lol

HEATHER HSU! Thank you for funding The Brain Scoop thus far! You are awesome.

You are an amazing person. Never forget that. You continue being who you are.

"It still has brains on it..." Why did that make me so sad? Congratulations Emily. I hope someone finds the idea of your museum and comes to love it as you have.

Inspiring, even in the sadest moments.

i don't think u understand how much i love this episode

The Brain Scoop is just a fantastically fascinating back drop to the stunningly magnificent story of the heart warming Emily Graslie.

I'm pretty sure you're a wonderful person Emily, the world needs more people who share that passion and wonder for the natural world. I wish you all the best with the move out to Chicago.

Chicago welcomes you with open arms Emily and I can't wait until my next visit to the museum as I look at it with new eyes. I am just so pleased to see someone with so much love for historical studies and spreading the importance that is in museums.

This is a heartbreaking episode. So many complicated emotions are at play; I can't even imagine how Emily kept her head on straight. You can hear it in her voice in every sentence: regret, hope, loss, pride, anger, resentment ... but all with a hint of excitement for the adventures ahead

I want to hug all of you all the time. You're such a fantastic person.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings during this transition. As a person entering into transition myself, it meant a lot to me.

I have an inkling of how much work it takes to maintain a natural history museum. The middle school I went to this storage room that was just full of specimens that belonged to the school's founder. I spend every lunch period for two years just trying to take inventory of it all.

I am so happy Brain Scoop will continue!! I was completely surprised by how much I love the show and that's always the best thing; finding something new to love.

I am just so so happy for Emily. I feel as if she's found her niche in the world, her happy place and is finally receiving the recognition she deserves. The pieces of her life seem to be coming together, and absurdly, that brings me immeasurable joy.

I have never cried over a video about a Museum........ until today.

Emily is freaking bomb example of how to do the whole "I have no idea where I'm going in life". I wish more people would push themselves out of their idea of what's sensible or profitable, and find things and places that inspire them to work on or with, even if they don't get paid. That's how I got into my field too!

I think I remember Paul Sereno once saying he has more strengths as an artist than as a scientist. That is what artist bring to biology, archeology, and paleontology that creative understanding of forms. You will flourish, I'm sure.

This was heart wrenching to watch. I hope everyone at the brain scoop finds happiness in Chicago and that the collection at the zoological museum is cared for and not neglected or forgotten. People especially future generations need to learn about our natural history. Thanks so much for being one of the best and most educational channels on RU-vid!

All the qualities you find in life are not found because of 'where' you are but because 'you' are there. Life is what you make it, whether you're in Montana, Chigago, .... Thunder Bay... Emily, you're going to find that the wonders of the world (nature) will never cease to amaze, as long as you keep looking for them. Enjoy Chicago! ...... Joey

I love seeing Montana in the videos. The hike to the bear was one of my favorites. One has to let go of something to grab something else.

Good luck. I lived in Montana for 15 years and appreciate how hard it can be to leave. But sometime leaving a place you love is what you need to do. I am glad you have been able go somewhere wherein you can continue to study, teach and reach out.

The feels. I have all of them. I just moved to college this week and had to stop by my local museum on my way out of town to say goodbye. I haven't put as much time into my museum as she has into hers, but it definitely was hard to walk out the doors that day.

I'm so glad that Hank went and made that first thoughts from places video at the museum and now we have the Brain Scoop and we're all a little bit smarter for it. Thank you to Hank and Emily and Michael and Heather Hsu and everyone involved in this show!

Thank you Emily and The Brain Scoop Team. I hope you have a wonderful experience in Chicago. It's been my hometown almost my whole life. Chicago is as amazing as a city as Montana is as amazing as country. Welcome!

Aww, this feels like the end, or at least the end of an era. I have tears. Congratulations on your new job Ms. Graslie!!

I hope you like Chicago, Emily. I personally love visiting the city every chance I get, living in the suburbs.

I'm glad she took Soon with her. He's become something of a mascot for thebrainscoop and I feel like there's some kind bond between them, since she rescued him from behind the cabinet and all.

I knew the moment I read the title I was going to cry. This episode was BEAUTIFUL. Michael did such a wonderful job. The ending was just perfect.

I am so proud of you Emily for helping to try I guess save that museum and I cant imagine what it feels like to just walk away from your home but you deserve to be a place where you don't have to worry about specimens getting damaged. you are too intelligent to be using youself as a janitor I love you and I wish you the best of luck.

Ah, Emily, you are the living example of finding a way to do what you love and how that leads to real success. Congratulations!

This video has made all the feels. I sincerely hope that the collection you have worked on for so long isn't lost to the generations to come. I look forward to seeing what amazing things you will do in Chicago. Good luck Emily!