My story starts out as that of a typical college student trying to get her life together for the summer. Last November, I was in my first semester of my junior year in college. Having a mom who works at a university, I knew I needed to find an internship in something that would contribute to a future career. Thus said, I started the search. It felt like it took a lifetime, with countless phone calls, emails and trips, until I finally found something that felt right.
Throughout my search, everyone would remind me that I've always wanted to work with the ocean. When the Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet, Florida called me, I had to accept the opportunity of a lifetime. I started working with artificial reef research and data collection off the coast of Ponce Inlet. While I worked with graphs, charts and formulas, I also helped with the surveys taken off the jetty in Ponce Inlet.
The surveys consisted of bringing snorkel gear and data collection instruments to the jetty then swimming in the water from 20 minutes to an hour, identifying and counting fish and invertebrates. Working hard felt like I was hardly working. I've been living in my bikini all summer and it's everything I've ever wanted and more. I've seen beautiful endemic species, and I've also been the first person to discover certain species that have never been seen in the area. When I wasn't in the water, I was working on my computer in the turtle lab, where turtles were taken in for rescue and rehabilitation.
While my friends near and far were sending texts and Snapchats from their cubicles and offices in which they remained throughout the day, I couldn't help but to fall more in love with what I was doing (not to discount my friends' passions).
But the internship had a catch. Any day I was at home, I missed work and being in the water. My job changed me in a way I could never imagine. When my mind wanders, I can't help but find myself by the ocean. Who knew that distraction could be so beautiful?
