When my science teacher assigned a research paper on a scientist of our choice, I wasn’t thrilled. I had no one in mind for the month-long project. I sat at the keyboard in the school library, looking for inspiration. Finally, I started a search for “women scientists.” I found a hit with a quote from Al Gore, calling the mystery person “an outstanding role model for women scientists across America.”
Who was she? The late Dr. Nancy Foster, former Assistant Administrator for Oceanic Services and Coastal Zone Management at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Director of the National Ocean Service.
The more I read about this brilliant, dynamic woman, the more I became inspired. Not only did I feel impressed with and proud of her many accomplishments, but her story made me think that I could take my love of the ocean and its creatures and make it into a career as a marine biologist.
Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced, and its impact on you.
When my science teacher suggested a class trip to Belize to study the marine ecosystem, I was excited. The thought of escaping the cold New England winter for sun and sand was my first thought. Then, I wondered if I would be able to go SCUBA diving there, in a real ocean, after only four months of taking classes in the chilly pool at the local community center. Mr. Carlson told us that we would be making trips to the coral reef in Ambergris Caye, and writing up our findings as a report once we got back to school. I didn’t know yet that the trip would begin to give direction to my life.