Marine Biology

The ocean has always been a place of wonder for me; a vast, dynamic world full of life forms and mysteries we are only just beginning to understand. From the smallest nudibranch to the most expansive kelp forests, the marine world holds countless unique ecosystems, each with its own beauty and intricate relationships. The very idea that life began in the sea only adds to my fascination; it’s like studying the origins of existence itself.

Rachel Carson’s The Sea Trilogy opened my eyes to the poetry and science of the ocean in ways I hadn’t imagined. Her words resonate deeply with me, and her passion for marine life fueled my own. While I’ve always loved the ocean, it was the summer before sophomore year that I realized I wanted to make marine biology my career. This decision was also heavily because I want to dedicate my life to the protection and study of manatees. In a way, manatees helped me through a difficult time, and now I want to give back by devoting my work to their conservation. My dream is to specialize in manatee research when I pursue my master’s and PhD and contribute to their preservation and our understanding of them.

Every time I imagine diving into the ocean, I feel an overwhelming sense of belonging. As Sylvia Earle once said, “Every time I slip into the ocean, it’s like going home.” a sentiment that reflects my own connection to the sea. There’s something freeing about being underwater, away from the constraints of gravity and completely immersed in a world of color, sound, and movement. It’s humbling to know that so much of the ocean remains unexplored. Every dive offers a new world to witness; even in familiar waters, every day and every movement is different, a reminder of the ocean’s ever-changing nature.

The ocean’s beauty can be found everywhere—from the way sunlight filters through floating sargassum seaweed, to the vibrant hues of coral reefs, to the remarkable patterns that male pufferfish create to attract mates. I’m captivated by both the big and small details: the intricate dance of schools of fish weaving through seagrass, the way a jellyfish pulses gracefully through the currents. My hope is to protect these precious ecosystems and help ensure they endure for future generations. This commitment stems from a deep care for the environment and the life it sustains.

I want my work as a marine biologist to have a positive impact, not just for today but for our future. My goal is to contribute knowledge that will help preserve our oceans and the delicate balance within them. I even dressed as a marine biologist for career day at school, proudly wearing a wetsuit, a shark hat, and carrying a plush manatee. It was a small gesture but one that reminds me of the dedication I have to this field and my excitement for the journey ahead.