Ever since I was little, I have always felt a personal connection to the ocean. I remember being fascinated by the different types of shells and shark teeth I would find along the shoreline. The beach was my home away from home, a place of bliss. However, this place of bliss has declined over the course of my 19 years living in Florida. Every time I visit now, I find more and more trash and broken pieces of coral washed ashore, evidence of human impact. Growing up, I admired the long conversations with my grandfather about his scuba diving adventures in the ‘60s. He always mentioned how vibrant and rich in life the coral reefs were. I could picture the coral formations as awe-inspiring underwater gardens. His stories sparked my passion to study marine biology, with hopes of restoring reefs to the colorful ecosystems he once knew. The ocean plays a critical role in our global ecosystem from climate regulation to oxygen production. Rising temperatures are causing ice caps to melt and sea levels to rise, threatening coastal communities. The decline in the health of our oceans may not seem like an issue to some, but for small islands, it means fewer opportunities for local fishing and an increase in difficulty to provide for their families and neighbors. I am currently on track to major in Marine Biology with a focus on coral conservation. The roles that coral reefs play in maintaining the biodiversity of our oceans have always fascinated me. I hope to equip myself for future endeavors with courses like coral reef ecology and conservation techniques, learning the most effective strategies for protecting the vital life within coral ecosystems. Upon completing my degree, I aspire to secure an internship specifically in coral conservation. This experience will help equip me to achieve my long-term goal of leading coral restoration projects. By working in the field, I aim to develop strategies to rehabilitate damaged coral and promote sustainable practices to protect them for future generations to come. Without our oceans, we are nothing. The relationship between our oceans and our earth is like the heart’s relationship with the human body; we cannot live without it. I believe it is important to practice more sustainable ways of living and I am excited to use my degree to help make a tangible difference. Together we can ensure that our oceans remain vibrant and rich in life as they were in my grandfather’s stories.

A determined and powerful entrepreneur who cares for her work and her community.