Selflessness is defined as when someone is more concerned with the needs and wishes of others than one's own. Selflessness can come in many forms, yet it is not specifically defined by one form versus another. Over the last few years, I have come to terms with the fact I am what's known as an empath. An empath, in my own words, is someone who is extremely empathetic and also someone who is or who can be highly emotional. Now, when people use the term emotional it can be interpreted as a negative thing. However, in this case, I use the word emotional as a positive thing and I believe as empaths, we can feel the emotions of others and even other things such as animals and environments which ultimately drive who we are as individuals. Whether we are born this way or conditioned by the courses of our lives to be extremely empathetic is unknown to me, but what I do know is, that this quality within myself strongly influences who I am and has helped me to be and live a very selfless life. I even ended up devoting my life to a rather selfless career. Ever since I was a young girl, I had a love for the ocean and as I got older, I began to realize all of the harm humans are inflicting on these precious ecosystems and that sparked a small flame inside of me. I felt as if I could feel the pain the ocean felt. Throughout my time in school, I have learned just how important the oceans truly are not only for the health of the planet but for the survival of the human race. Somewhere along that course of time, I made a promise to myself that I would do everything I could during my time on this planet to help save our world's oceans. Now knowing the current state our oceans are in there is no question in my mind that selfishness, greed, money, and power were all key drivers that created the environmental crisis we are in now and it is going to take large amounts of selflessness to undo all the damage we have done. Selflessness is not only a huge influence in my career, but it is also a moral I live by in my daily life. For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to be a marine biologist, it's my passion and lifelong dream which I have worked effortlessly to achieve. I feel I truly can make a difference in the world, but I can’t tell you how many times someone has said to me "You know you're not going to make any money right?" or something along those lines. As this may be true, none of those comments have ever stopped me from living out my aspiration because I know the impact I have is worth more than money. Whether it's picking up trash at local parks or beaches when I could be tanning and reading a book, using reusable/ paper bags instead of plastic single-use bags, taking the time to refill my metal water bottle instead of just grabbing a single-use water bottle, walking a shopping cart I just used back inside instead of abandoning it in the parking lot, or even stopping traffic to save the turtle in the middle of the street, every day I choose to make the selfless choices in life and that is something that makes me proud of who I am and one thing I will never, ever, change about myself.

Ever since I was a young girl, I felt connected to the ocean. I spent a lot of my childhood there and the ocean became my safe haven. Every time I stood by it, I was humbled and yet so at peace at the same time. As I got older, I began to see the health of our local beaches decline right before my eyes and I began to realize all of the harm humans are inflicting on these precious ecosystems; and that sparked a small flame inside of me. I felt as if I could feel the pain the ocean felt. During high school, I started taking AICE marine biology classes and that was where for the first time, I knew without a doubt I was going to be a marine biologist. Now that I have graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with a bachelor’s degree in marine science and have been officially accepted into Nova Southeastern University School of Oceanography to pursue my master’s degree in marine biology, I have been able to really dial into my inner compass, find my true north, and figure out what exactly I want to do with my degree. My ultimate goal for not only my professional career but also my life is to research sharks. These magnificent creatures intrigue me beyond what words can describe. They are one of the top apex predators on the planet and I can’t help but be undeniably upset for the suffering humans have caused these animals. With that being said I have instilled within myself a duty to do whatever I can during my time on this earth to help us better understand sharks and to use that knowledge to aid in their conservation efforts which in turn will help save our oceans. By receiving a master’s degree in marine biology, I will be able to build upon the foundation of knowledge I already have in the marine science field as well as have the opportunity to make valuable connections with people who have already done groundbreaking research with sharks. Networking is such a huge part of being a scientist and as an aspiring one, I am extremely eager to hold myself to a higher standard in order to expand my network. By immersing myself in a place full of like-minded people I’ll be able to grow as a scientist by expanding my knowledge, opportunities, and social skills in the field. As far as specific areas of research, certain species have really caught my attention in the Carcharodon genus those being the Great White shark and the Thresher shark. Due to the extensive amount of research efforts and resources that already exist for white sharks, it could be useful to pursue a career in that field. On the other spectrum, in light of pursuing my own research, there is a huge lack of knowledge and research on thresher sharks which is where I could find my niche in shark research. Ultimately, I want to continue my education in the industry because the higher education I receive the more I will be able to accomplish throughout my career whether it be joining ongoing research or starting a new endeavor no one has embarked on before. During this life I don’t just want to get by and be average. I want to achieve greatness and do extraordinary things throughout my career. I truly believe my degree takes my career and potential to the next level and I am willing to put in the time and work in order to make my dream a reality.

During our lives, we experience so much, both good and bad. Many of us take much of what we have for granted, like water, clothing, and even the roof over our heads. But one day you'll stop and reflect on your life and all you have done and in that moment you'll think not only about yourself but people you've encountered along the way and those times you gave instead of took. Throughout my life, I have been fortunate enough to be involved in numerous volunteering opportunities. During my time in college (undergraduate), I was able to give back to many communities by completing 208 hours of community service through various organizations during my four years there. A few of my experiences include being president of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs organization where I was in charge of all club operations. Being a part of the entrepreneurship community helped me open my mind up to new ideas and ways to use entrepreneurship within the realm of science (I went to school for Marine Science). This role was voluntary but it helped so many students find their paths as well. Many of those who felt lost or didn't come from much and didn't know how to make their dreams a reality. We helped provide those students with those resources and a safe space to use those resources to flourish. I also was grateful to volunteer at Mote Marine Aquarium & Laboratory where I worked as an aquarium guide to help educate the public on the significance of marine species, ecosystems, research, and conservation efforts. Another experience I was involved with was giving back to the local elementary school students. The specific program is called Wings of Hope and we escorted these young students on hikes throughout watershed environments and came up with fun ways to educate them on the surrounding environment in hopes of giving them a personal connection to it so as they get older they would value the natural world around them. Additionally, I participated in 6 beach cleanups with 4ocean as a citizen scientist by helping collect, sort, and load thousands of pounds of trash off of different beaches around Florida. One of my most memorable experiences of all was volunteering at a local food bank with my dad. We would show up early in the morning to unload thousands of pounds of food donated from all the local grocery stores. We sorted and separated everything and then we would package up enough food for each family to last that entire week! Out of all the things I have done that was probably the experience that felt the most rewarding. Being able to help someone in need is such an indescribable feeling. Whether it's helping people or the planet I do whatever I can to stay involved and give back to the world as much as I possibly can. From cleaning trash off beaches during a beach clean up or during my free time, or helping provide food to families in need, or helping out the younger generation, I will never stop being selfless and no matter where I am or what I'm doing in life and I will always be there to lend a hand when needed. I wouldn't live my life any other way and my real hope is that by doing that it will inspire others to do the same and in turn maybe I will be able to make an impact on the world and make it a better place for the present and the future.

During our lives, we experience so much, both good and bad. Many of us take much of what we have for granted, like water, clothing, and even the roof over our heads. But one day you'll stop and reflect on your life and all you have done and in that moment you'll think not only about yourself but people you've encountered along the way and those times you gave instead of took. Throughout my life, I have been fortunate enough to be involved in numerous volunteering opportunities. During my time in college (undergraduate), I was able to give back to many communities by completing 208 hours of community service through various organizations during my four years there. A few of my experiences include being president of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs organization where I was in charge of all club operations. Being a part of the entrepreneurship community helped me open my mind up to new ideas and ways to use entrepreneurship within the realm of science (I went to school for Marine Science). This role was voluntary but it helped so many students find their paths as well. Many of those who felt lost or didn't come from much and didn't know how to make their dreams a reality. We helped provide those students with those resources and a safe space to use those resources to flourish. I also was grateful to volunteer at Mote Marine Aquarium & Laboratory where I worked as an aquarium guide to help educate the public on the significance of marine species, ecosystems, research, and conservation efforts. Another experience I was involved with was giving back to the local elementary school students. The specific program is called Wings of Hope and we escorted these young students on hikes throughout watershed environments and came up with fun ways to educate them on the surrounding environment in hopes of giving them a personal connection to it so as they get older they would value the natural world around them. Additionally, I participated in 6 beach cleanups with 4ocean as a citizen scientist by helping collect, sort, and load thousands of pounds of trash off of different beaches around Florida. One of my most memorable experiences of all was volunteering at a local food bank with my dad. We would show up early in the morning to unload thousands of pounds of food donated from all the local grocery stores. We sorted and separated everything and then we would package up enough food for each family to last that entire week! Out of all the things I have done that was probably the experience that felt the most rewarding. Being able to help someone in need is such an indescribable feeling. Whether it's helping people or the planet I do whatever I can to stay involved and give back to the world as much as I possibly can. From cleaning trash off beaches during a beach clean up or during my free time, or helping provide food to families in need, or helping out the younger generation, I will never stop being selfless and no matter where I am or what I'm doing in life and I will always be there to lend a hand when needed. I wouldn't live my life any other way and my real hope is that by doing that it will inspire others to do the same and in turn maybe I will be able to make an impact on the world and make it a better place for the present and the future.

As a female, it can be hard trying to find your way in the world. Having female role models who break the typical stereotypes of our generation is such a powerful thing to have. Zendaya started working at such a young age and she hasn't stopped yet! From acting to singing to modeling she does it all and she does it all INCREDIBLY. I think one of the most incredible traits about her is she always stayed true to herself and she never let fame change her. Of course, it's amazing she is a movie star and model but truthfully my favorite aspect of her multifaceted career is her activism, she stands up for what she believes in such as social justice. She also does so much to give back to the community which is such a commendable act. Another aspect of Zendaya that I truly not only respect but admire is her work ethic. The fact she has built such an incredible life for herself through the multifaceted careers she has pursued is so inspiring and motivating to a young woman who strives to do just that. She shows other girls that you can do it, with grace, strength, power, and dignity. In a world where so many people conform themselves to please others but Zendaya has stayed true and real to herself, her friends, and her family which says a lot about the kind of person she is. I truly believe these genuine aspects of her are what has helped get her to where she is today and why myself and so many people admire her for who she is.

Most of us have looked up at the sky at some point in our lives and wondered what else could be out there. As an aspiring marine biologist and scientist, I like to keep an open mind to things that may exist beyond our current understanding of our planet and the universe we call home. Most things on topics such as Big Foot, Swamp Apes, and Extra-Terrestrial life forms have been shunned or hidden from the general public by government agencies for most of my life. Until only recently did the government even admit to there being evidence of Extra-Terrestrial life forms yet places like Area 51 remain highly classified and protected by government and military agencies. With all of that being said when the show Skin Walker Ranch Aired on Netflix it was a GAME CHANGER. This series captured not only my attention but so many people around the world's attention. Skinwalker Ranch is located in the top right corner of Utah in the Utah Basin and was originally owned by the Sherman family however, due to the strange and scary phenomena that were occurring on the ranch the family ended up fleeing from the property. That is when Robert Bigalow an American businessman purchased the property and funded investigations into these strange phenomena which included UFO sightings (now called UAP's), skinwalker encounters, and other strange sightings and encounters. The catch with Bigalow's studies is that they were all sealed and classifed by either Bigalow and his team or by the government. Now as conspiracy-driven as all this may sound, the ranch was more recently purchased from another businessman by the name of Brandon Fugal who put together a team of incredible and ligament scientists, engineers, and other credible people to further investigate these occurrences in-depth and do what no one else has yet to really do. Share that journey with the public! In this series, you get to follow the new team throughout their annual summer stakeouts at the ranch where they conduct a series of actual science-based experiments to try and either prove or disprove these occurrences. Travis Taylor (my favorite of the bunch) is the leader of the group and is a world-renowned scientist, astrophysicist, engineer and professor (not someone who would put his career on the line to create a show about something that isn't real). Along with Travis, you have Dragon (Head of security), Erik Bard (the tech guy), Thomas Winterton (The superintended of the ranch), and Kaleb Bench (Security). In addition, there are Kandus Linde and Tom Lewis who actually live on the ranch year-round and take care of the property; which after you start watching this show you realize is kind of crazy! The ranch is quite large and butts up to a massive mesa which is a hot spot for strange activity and UPA sightings. A weird cut out in the grass known as "The triangle" is also a huge focus in the show as there is a weird occurrence repeatedly experienced directly above and below that spot, last but not least there are the old homesteads which are infamously known for unexplained anomalies as well as skinwalker encounters. Each episode goes more in-depth and builds on the previous discoveries made by the team which are all OUT OF THIS WORLD!!! This show will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat not just because of the thrill of it, but because you feel like you are actually a part of the team and most importantly you know all of it is real and grounded in science!!!