Most kids say they want to be a veterinarian or fireman when asked what they want to be
when they are older. From as early as I can remember I have always wanted to do something
related to the ocean and the organisms living inside it. After a final project I had in the 6th grade I
learned that being a marine biologist is what I wanted to do. I’ve always been so fascinated with
the blue world we have on our planet that we have only explored 5% of. The field I am most
interested in is marine mammal conservation helping to educate people on these animals and the
threats they may face in the oceans and how we can help.
While attending Old Dominion University I was involved in the marine biology student
association a club with other marine biology majors and students who were also passionate about
the ocean. While participating in this club we heard several speakers talk about their field of
research in the marine biology and learned several ways to get involved and connected with
future employers. I am also an active member in my sorority on campus where I have held a few
positions that have helped me with my communication and organizational skills, as well as
participate in community service and raise money for our philanthropy which supports the
Starkey Hearing company.
Being in college has also lead me to several opportunities to help with experience within my
field, I do tend to have a busy schedule balancing school full time, work, my sorority and tutor
sessions, because of this I have yet to apply to internships. As a junior I plan to apply this
summer as my schedule permits it broadening my knowledge on the possibilities within my field
is the most important thing to me. I have had past experiences volunteering at animal shelters
throughout high school and over summers my first two years in college anything related to
animals I will do.
One of my favorite memories that have made me want to peruse a career in marine biology
was my first visit to the Georgia Aquarium. The Georgia Aquarium is the biggest aquarium in
the United States and home to a variety of animals, my favorite being the beluga whales. The
tank at the aquarium is so big and when I happened to be visiting a beluga was pregnant.
Watching how the mammal curators cared for and carefully observed the beluga was very
insightful for me. Hearing how deeply the staff cared for the animals was something I will never
forget. While visiting I also talked with some of the other staff and hearing about everything the
aquarium does made me quickly realize I wanted to work at a big aquarium. Helping educate the
public and even younger kids on how special our oceans are and the threats they face is
everything to me, all while taking care of the animals that are not able to be re-released into the
ocean. In the future I hope my career consists of all of these things.

Kelsy Smith
Professor Rinehart-Kim
BIOL294
10 November 2022
References
https://ww1.odu.edu/content/dam/odu/col-dept/sci/docs/personal-statement-tips.pdf
https://ww1.odu.edu/content/dam/odu/col-dept/sci/docs/20steps-personal-statement.pdf