In September 2009, I embark upon year-long adventure on three islands: Nahant, Moorea, and San Juan. In my quest for a graduate degree in the marine sciences, I study the DNA of snails, the patterns in the intertidal, and shark behavior. I am excited to live out my dreams of being a marine biologist. In kindergarten, I saw a woman helping to train a sea otter at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and ever since, I have been fascinated with the ocean.
I moved across the country to begin the adventure in Nahant, Massachusets. Leaving my friends and family in California was heartwrenching, but I know I can always return. Here in Nahant, we live 400 feet from the “Marine Science Center” and take full day classes four days per week. It is true immersion: the classroom has lockers for each of us; when it’s time to go into the field for experiential education, we just throw our rain boots on and lock our computers in the lockers.
There are about 10 other graduate students in the program and 20 students overall. THis fall, I am enrolled in Marine Ecology, Marine Invertebrate Zoology, Marine Experimental Design, and Molecular Ecology and Evolution. In addition, I am in a committed relationship with an amazing man. He is here in Nahant and telecommuting while studying for the LSATs.
Now, to dive in!
-
- Oceanography in action
