I am filthy rich. However, my wealth is measured not in dollars or possessions, but in the treasure trove of memories of my childhood growing up on the shores of Lake Erie. Growing up immersed in the beauty of nature, I discovered that the richest life is one filled with gratitude and a sense of connection to the world around us. It was here, among the sandy beaches and dense marshland that fostered my love for nature. Little did I know those sun-soaked childhood memories would become the inspiration for my education and career, guiding me down a path that brought me to Florida. When asked about my first memory connecting to nature, the answer comes to me instantly: nature walks with my mother. I can picture it so clearly, my mother and I strolling the beaches of Lake Erie, my small clear backpack filled with a magnifying glass, a field book, a bug net, and mesh bag ready for collecting shells and rocks. My curiosity in the natural world grew with every bug caught and shell collected. These walks became an integral part of my childhood, shaping my love for the nature that surrounded me. In my youth, nature seemed untouched and free from harm. My mother opened my eyes to the beauty of nature but there was still so much left to discover. As I grew older, I realized that nature was far more complex- no longer the invincible, everlasting force I once believed it to be. Memories of the late summer shades of green that rolled in with the waves, obscuring the sparkling blue waters, became more frequent. The sights and smells of dying fish and dense blooms began to reshape my perception of the lake I had grown to love. A place that once symbolized wonder and curiosity now needed help. In 2014, my community was shaken by a “do not drink” advisory after algal toxins contaminated the drinking water supply. Although the crisis only lasted a few days, its impact on me was profound. It was then I decided I wanted to go into a career in water quality, with a special focus on HABs in diverse ecosystems. Motivated by this experience, I decided to pursue a major in Natural Resource Management. I focused my projects on HABs which u paved the way for my first job as a water quality research assistant. Working on an island in Lake Erie, I immersed myself in the study of freshwater systems and the drivers behind HABs. This experience deepened my knowledge and fueled my desire to make an even greater impact. I left the comfort of home to move to Florida and pursue a master’s degree. Today, I find myself immersed in the study of HABs in Florida’s freshwater ecosystems. My days are spent in the heat collecting samples and countless hours in the lab analyzing the toxicity and genetics of algal strains affecting the Kissimmee chain of lakes. My research is driven by the hope it will help lake managers and scientist better understand freshwater blooms in Florida, equipping them with the tools and strategies for mitigation. The journey that began on Lake Erie brought me to a new location, full of opportunity for discovery. I am fulfilled by my role as a steward of the earth. My upbringing instilled in me a lasting love for our freshwater ecosystems, and I am grateful every day for the chance to protect and learn from them. In this work, I have not only found a career but also a calling, and for that, I feel truly rich.