Throughout my life I always felt different. Of course, everyone is uniquely different in some way, yet my difference was a hindrance. I never knew how to blend in with the crowd like my classmates or even with my family. For most of my life, I constantly felt unsettled, eccentric, even outright crazy. Despite this, I never suffered academically. I was adored by all my teachers, thought to be intelligent, considerate, and well-mannered, just often labeled “quiet” or “shy.” To be honest, I learned to be quiet to hide this unknown difference. That is how it remained, until after a barrage of neuropsychological testing, I was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at sixteen years old. This information was brand new to me, coupled with emotions of fear and shock. However, a sentiment that I was not expecting was the feeling of solace. Through this diagnosis, I then knew that I was not alone and that there was not something wrong with me. The very thing that made me feel different is now something that I have in common with others. Like other autistic individuals, I often perceive and interpret the world in unique ways. This distinct perspective can enrich discussions, problem-solving, and creative endeavors in various situations. I have learned to adapt these skills at my university and continue to thrive academically. I strive to foster a more understanding campus environment for others who struggle with the same issues. As I mature, I continue to be more self-aware. I am getting better at communicating my feelings, managing stress before it escalates, and working on social skills. I have made a few close friends since starting college and feel respected by peers at my internship. I am fulfilled academically and enthusiastic about my chosen career in marine biology. I have discovered new interests (playing guitar, attending live music shows) that stimulate me and foster self-expression. Since receiving my diagnosis in high school, I have realized that being neurodivergent is one of many characteristics that make me unique. I understand that I may continue to face obstacles but have the confidence and self-worth to overcome them. My outlook for the future is positive, and I cannot wait to experience what lies ahead.

I am a third-year student at the University of South Florida majoring in Marine Biology. Pursuing a degree in Marine Biology enables me to expand my knowledge of marine life and the oceans and the impacts of humanity on them. Once I complete my undergraduate degree, I would like to pursue an advanced degree involving invertebrate research. With my educational foundation and research efforts, I hope to contribute to further scientific knowledge and make a positive impact on oceanic life. Growing up near the coast, the ocean was an important part of my life and the communities around me. During my high school internship at the Cohasset Student Center for Coastal Research, I became captivated by marine invertebrates when helping to identify and record plankton species. I also gained experience with water quality monitoring, analyzing data, and processing data sets into a mapping application to visualize data differences by location. This experience solidified my desire to pursue a career in the marine science field. I chose to attend University of South Florida since it is a top-tier research college with extensive opportunities for firsthand learning and undergraduate research. Since September 2024, I have worked as an intern with the College of Marine Science’s Ocean Circulation Group. I have contributed to the team’s research efforts in physical and chemical oceanography while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average. During my time at the Ocean Circulation Group, I have designed, evaluated, and deployed marine monitoring equipment that measures water quality, especially focusing on abiotic factors, and ocean currents. Furthermore, I have increased my skills in ecological modeling and data analytics. The laboratory and field experience gained in this internship has laid an excellent foundation for my advanced studies. In December 2024, I obtained open water scuba certification and have done several dives in the Florida Keys. Observing marine organisms in their natural environment has further strengthened my connection to the underwater world. It has renewed my appreciation for the complex challenges facing marine environments. As my confidence and scuba diving skills grow, I am interested in completing scientific diving certification to expand my access to underwater research. In Spring 2026, I will be pursuing a research opportunity involving local oyster reef restoration. I am particularly interested in investigating how oysters can positively impact water quality and habitat restoration for diverse species. Fortunately, my campus is located on the waterfront with direct access to Tampa Bay, where extensive research on oysters is being conducted. The experiential learning opportunities at University of South Florida have enabled me to explore topics of interest for my future Masters’ thesis. I will be applying to graduate programs in Marine Biology in Fall of 2026 and hope to pursue a PhD after I complete my master’s degree. Professionally, I am interested in working in an academic research environment, especially one that focuses on invertebrate biology. My goal is to continuously learn and complete original research that positively benefits my chosen field of marine biology.