From a really young age, I have been interested in not only studying marine life, but also in finding ways to protect it. A trip to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center in Jekyll Island was the first time my interest in this field was sparked. I got to see hands on what they did to protect and take care of these injured sea turtles. That experience showed me how science can make a real difference in saving lives, and it stayed with me. It made me want to be someone who actively makes that difference. As I have grown older, seeing the impacts of pollution and climate change on our oceans has made me realize how urgent conservation work is. In turn, it has pushed me toward a career in rehabilitation and protection of marine animals and their habitats.

My background has given me a mix of academic preparation and real-world experience. Working at a dairy farm and a horse ranch taught me how to be responsible, attentive, and committed to animal care. Working with land animals may seem very different from marine biology, but those experiences gave me hand-on experience with animal health and welfare, when unexpected challenges came up, I was able to solve problems and worked closely with others as a team. Whether it is feeding/milking cows on a schedule or monitoring a turtle’s recovery, animals depend on people to be reliable. I believe these skills will carry over to marine conservation and rehabilitation, where caring for animals requires these things. I am also planning to begin volunteering at the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center to build my experience specifically with marine animals and educating myself more on conservation. I also value the chance to connect with the public through this type of work, which in turn can help inspire new generations to care for the environment, which is just as meaningful to me.

After graduation, my goal is to go straight into the workforce and begin working at a rescue center or aquarium. Conservation matters to me because protecting individual animals is directly connected to protecting ecosystems, and healthy oceans are essential for life on Earth. By helping animals recover and return to their natural habitats, I can not only contribute to their survival, but all to the bigger picture of protecting biodiversity and maintaining the balance of
our environment. I see this work as an opportunity to directly connect science with action, turning the knowledge, I learn in the classroom into a real-world change.

Ultimately, I want to use the knowledge and skills I have built to make a real impact. For example, caring for animals, supporting rehabilitation efforts, and helping educate others about why conservation is important. I know in the end that the work will be difficult and challenging, but I am excited to pursue a career where I can be part of the solution and eventually make a true, real difference for marine life and the environment. With continued persistence and dedication, I hope to make a difference not only by helping injured animals recover, but also by contributing to larger conservation efforts.