Like sea turtles navigating by Earth's magnetic field, I've found my way to marine conservation through an unconventional path. One marked by detours, self-discovery, and the realization that my destination was always there, waiting for me to find it. I am a non-traditional student in every sense. After earning my Bachelor's in Animal Science, I didn't go straight to graduate school. Instead, I spent years working, first as an education fellow at the Tennessee Aquarium, then as a veterinary technician, then as an intern at the Georgia Aquarium, and finally at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in North Carolina. Each role taught me something different, but none felt quite right until I stood beside rehabilitating sea turtles, watching these gentle giants persistently overcome their challenges. That's when I understood: I had been circling my true calling all along. Now, years after my undergraduate degree and after exploring multiple careers, I'm ready to pursue graduate education in marine science, not because I followed a straight line, but because I needed those years to understand what I was truly meant to do. The qualities that define Andrea Worden's legacy are kindness, perseverance, compassion, and investment in others, aren't just ideals to me. They're lessons I learned by living them. At Berry College, I served as a cohort leader for young women experiencing independence for the first time. I thought I was there to mentor them, but honestly, they taught me more than I could have imagined. They showed me what it means to be present for someone, to listen without judgment, and to create space where people feel seen. Those bonds remain strong today, real friendships built on mutual care and trust. But the experience that truly shaped my understanding of compassion came through Berry's ESL program. I volunteered in childcare for parents learning English, and those kids changed me. They taught me about trust in its purest form. The trust that comes from showing up consistently, from being someone they could count on. The ESL program created a safe space for Spanish-speaking families to learn without financial burden, without barriers, without excuses. As a first-generation Mexican-American woman, I understood what that meant. I saw my own family's journey reflected in theirs. One moment stands out above all others. At the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Center, I watched hatchlings make their determined journey to the ocean for the first time. These tiny creatures, guided by instinct and an unwavering sense of direction, faced enormous odds and yet they persisted. At that moment, I saw myself. I saw my unconventional path, my years of exploration, my determination to find where I truly belonged. I also saw my purpose crystallize: I want to be a marine biologist who educates the public about the beauty of ocean creatures. I want to provide credible information to those who question why protecting marine animals matters. But more than that, I want to be the representation I wish I'd had earlier, a first-generation Mexican-American woman in marine science, inspiring other young women who look like me to pursue their own dreams in conservation. Even while studying away from coastal areas, I've maintained my connection to marine science through literature-based research. In my One Health Studies coursework, I wrote a literature review on microplastics' health impacts on marine ecosystems and human populations along North America's western coast. This research reinforced what I've always known: education is fundamental to conservation, but representation matters just as much. My path hasn't been traditional, but it's been mine. Every detour taught me something essential about animals, about people, about myself. Like Andrea Worden, I believe success isn't about following the expected route. It's about resilience, about kindness, about lifting others as we climb. It's about showing up with compassion and refusing to give up, even when the journey takes longer than planned. I believe I am ready, not despite my unconventional path, but because of it. Graduate school isn't just the next step in my education; it's the culmination of years of discovery, service, and growth. I want to study diseases affecting sea turtle populations, to understand how their immune systems and microbiomes work together to prevent infections. I want to better understand the environmental stressors that affect all ocean animals. And I want to do it all while continuing to educate, to inspire, and to create space for others who, like me, are finding their way home.

Translating at doctors appointments, calling billing companies, ordering at fast food restaurants, and being the middle man between my teachers and parents was my childhood. Those situations are what prepared me for the challenges I faced as a second generation immigrant, especially in higher education. I learned how to apply for FAFSA by asking my counselors and I had to move away from my family for college all by myself. The overwhelming feeling of physically being alone was difficult at first but adulting early prepared me for this new challenge. My undergrad experience was filled with high hopes as well as equally high concerns for my academic performance in an area I have never been taught in. I hoped to absorb all the information I could and grow my network as much as possible. I was concerned about academically performing at a level I wasn't used to or interacting with people who were financially in a different bracket. Nevertheless, these concerns were put at ease with the support of my family and friends. However, my roots encouraged me to be proud of who I am and where I came from. My honey skin, dark hair, and brown eyes were my shield against my insecurities of thinking I did not belong. My education journey has been a road of self doubt and late nights but I managed to overcome those obstacles. After 4 years, my goal was accomplished and I graduated from Berry College with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. I exceeded my goals in making a lot of connections, memories, and lessons learned. With regards to my professional goals that I have set, I have interned at the Georgia Aquarium and Tennessee Aquarium. Recently, I have been accepted to ASU Marine and Coastal Science and Management Masters Program. My goal of furthering my education has been accomplished and I am one step closer to reaching my dream of opening my own sea turtle rehabilitation center on the coast of Georgia. Becoming a marine biologist has been a dream of mine since I entered an aquarium at a very young age. Educating others on the science and beauty of our oceans and animals has always been a passion of mine. I want to teach others the true meaning of caring and protecting the marine life that needs us. From translating doctors appointments to stepping foot into my first undergrad class has been what led me to where I am now, part of the 8% of latinas who are pursuing a masters. I am proud to be a descendant of an immigrant family who value traditions that represent who I am.

Through unconventional routes and exploring multiple interests, I have stumbled to the realization and confirmation that furthering my education in marine science has always been the goal. I am confident this scholarship can aid me in reaching my goals of continuing my passion to protect endangered species while creating rehabilitation centers that give sea turtles a second chance. Berry College prepared me to embark on a journey of exploration. After obtaining a Bachelors in Animal Science, the goal was to work at an aquarium. A week before I walked the stage, I got my first fellowship in education with the Tennessee Aquarium. However, I wanted to be more hands on with the animals so I became a veterinary technician. Six months later I was fortunate enough to receive an offer for an internship at the Georgia Aquarium. Following this, I was a rehabilitation, conversation, and education intern at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Surf City, North Carolina. I was in awe with how these gentle giants were persistently overcoming their challenges. As an intern, I discovered how crucial educating the public was and how a constant husbandry routine was as important as administering the correct medication and fluids. The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Center revealed my true purpose: I want to be a marine biologist that can educate the public on the beauty of the amazing creatures found in the ocean. I want to be able to provide credible information to those who question the point of protecting our marine animals. While education is fundamental to conservation, representation in science is equally crucial. As a first-generation Mexican-American woman, I'm determined to become the representation I wish I'd had earlier, inspiring other young women who look like me to pursue marine conservation. I have proudly been accepted to Arizona State University which will equip me to pursue my professional goals in a way that will allow me to leave an imprint on this earth. Even while studying away from coastal areas, I actively pursued marine science connections through literature-based research. For example, in my One Health Studies coursework I wrote a literature review on the health impacts of microplastics and other particles on marine ecosystems and human populations along North America's western coast. This experience provided valuable training in synthesizing scientific literature and reinforced my commitment to marine conservation research. I am excited to expand this research experience through fieldwork and laboratory investigations at ASU. I am interested in diving deeper in studying diseases affecting sea turtle populations and how their immune systems and microbiomes work together to prevent infections. My passion for conservation and my commitment to continuing educating myself and others to make an impact on this earth is crucial for my professional goals. Arizona State University will best equip me with necessary tools to ignite my career as a marine biologist. I want to be prepared to better understand the environmental stressors that affect sea turtles and animals alike in the ocean.

Children as young as 10 years old can struggle with mental health issues and at times have no one to go to. Schools can already be a daunting place to be at around that age, especially when kids need the support the most. I strongly believe that education institutions, starting in middle school, should have designated licensed therapists. Students should be able to have that support when needed. Not only is it affordable to families because it is provided through the school, but it also removes any transportation barriers. I also encourage that teachers and staff working with kids be trained to acknowledge the signs of mental health crises, such as panic attacks. The licensed therapists in an ideal world would be assigned to one school instead of a whole county. This would help with the unpredictiness of mental health crises. They should also be advertised to students at the beginning of the year so they know they have that support all the time. Lastly, I also believe a crisis plan should be created just in case the therapist is out for the day. Providing that support is crucial for the wellbeing of the student and creates an environment where they can thrive academically. By establishing therapists in schools, we can ensure that every student has access to the help they deserve, making mental health support truly affordable and accessible to all who need it.