Minorities in the Aquatic Sciences

At this point in my life, I am completely certain I would like to work as a biological oceanographer. Certainty is not something I have felt in a long time. But looking reflecting on my experiences and the decisions I have made and continue making, I feel that a career in Marine Sciences is right for me. This past summer I participated in the Minority Undergraduate Scholarship and Training Program at Old Dominion University and had the I got to travel, work with mentors and graduate students on a topic that was of interest to me, and got to present it formally in a symposium. My interest took public notice when my sophomore year of college, I took a preliminary step in changing my field of major from Business to Biological Sciences. Although seeming like a drastic change to others, it was no surprise this would happen. Biology has been part of my background for a long time, especially marine sciences. Traveling frequently around the islands of the Caribbean when I was younger, and being exposed to the different wildlife and sea life have rooted my interest in this field.My father loves the ocean and constantly would share his knowledge to my sister and I. I never thought that it would surface later on and be a part of my career choice. I am content to say that this decision is definitely one I am sticking to and I look forward to all opportunities that I come accross to be able to involve myself more in the Marine Sciences world.