Learn to Love Science by Valerie

Learn to Love Science by Valerie - October 2013 Scholarship Essay

“I have to work on my experiment at ASU,” my dad would convey weekly.

“Can I come, please?” I’d repeat.

After anxiously ensconced in the back seat of our SUV, I’d run into the ASU lab, wide eyed and bushy tailed. Grabbing a pair of goggles and a lab coat, that looked more like a dress on me; I’d be ready to go to work. As my dad worked on his research, I wanted to be a scientist of my own. Observing the behavior of micro-organisms under a telescope, discovering the frigid temperatures of dry ice, and questioning the presence of burning fly paper, that was my childhood.

A college science laboratory is filled with endless discoveries and new knowledge to be obtained. I could’ve never guessed that amusing myself in a college would shape who I’d become, but I couldn’t ask for anything more. My experiences molded me to be fascinated by the art of science and I have never wanted to be anything but a scientist.

By the age of ten, I wanted to pursue a job in the field of biology like my dad. The only problem was what kind of biology. It wasn’t until I turn twelve that I knew for a fact. One trip to California would set my future in action.

Sitting in the splash zone of a “believe” show at SeaWorld, my dreams came together. I was flabbergasted by the whales gliding through the water just to catapult into the air and submerge back into the clear, blue liquid. Then, the trainers ran out with a hand full of fish and dived into the tank with the beautiful whales I turned to my dad and spoke with all seriousness, “I want do to do that.” I want to swim with the whales. I want to explore the oceans. I want to be a marine biologist.

My dad never realized how serious I was about my marine life passion until I continuously pleaded, for four years, to get my scuba diving certification. Finally, on November 18th, 2012, I received my open water diver certification and was ready to explore the oceans.

I was once a young girl, without a care in the world, just trying to make the best of life in a science laboratory. As I conducted my observations, discoveries, and questionings, I learned an unbelievable amount of material without knowing it. Out of everything I learned in that period of time, the most valuable was that I loved science. That passion shaped me into who I am today and will continue shaping my future. In conjunction with my scuba certification, I plan to be shaped into an outstanding marine biologist to investigate the seven seas.

Word count: 455