Marine World Here I Come

Elyssa | future marine biologist

When I was 2 my parents took me on my first vacation to San Antonio to Sea World. My parents were so excited to share this park with me, however being a toddler then well I was not impressed. In fact I feel asleep during the Shamu show. What can I say it was hot and I was exhausted. You know how it is when you visit an Amusement Park like that in the middle of July Texas Heat. Years later my parents took me again to Sea World but this time I was older. I was 8. I did not fall asleep this time. I was awake during all the shows and was overwhelmed about all the sea animals. I told my mom. "I want to work here!" "You want a job working at Sea World" she said. I said "No Mom, this will not be a JOB - this will be my career."

Dolphins, seals, killer whales, penguins and even sharks are fascinating. I love the water and I can go swimming all day. This is probably why I love marine life. I have the best human family on land and strange friendship with sea animals. What can I tell you I have the best of both worlds. Living in West Texas does not give me the opportunity to study marine life but every chance I get we travel down south to Corpus Christi and Galvestion Bay. Because I am limited to having access to the ocean then even drives me further on my quest to becoming a Marine Biologist.

I have visited the Texas State Aquarium, and even did hands on rehabilitation at a turtle farm. I am even scheduled to attend Sea World Camp and participant in their Education Program. At Sea World camp I will learn more of the ins and outs of marine zoology.

I have visited and toured Texas A&M University Campus at Corpus Christi and this is where I will be continuing my education towards becoming a marine biologist. Texas A&M - Corpus Christi is where I will acquire skills and education necessary to pursue my goal.

I see a great future in this opportunity of employment. I mean every day we are learning from these animals and their habitat. How our lives affect theirs and their lives affects ours. Living in West Texas I hear a lot of the Oil Field Boom and it hurts me to know that we are also drilling in the ocean. We have seen terrible oil spills in the past and I am afraid we have not see the last of them. Understanding and pursuing a career in Marine Zoology will help save many animals and sea life if and when another oil spill might occur.

Yeap, I can't wait to it hit the water unfortunately...I have to hit the books first.