(3-minute read)
While I am the 2023 Our World-Underwater Scholar, I am also honored to be one of the 2023 Aquarium of the Pacific: African American Scholars. I have just returned home from the Scholar Symposium in Long Beach and I am feeling excited, inspired, and concerned for the future of diversity in marine science all at the same time.
The African American Scholarship was an amazing award I received prior to graduating from university and honestly…
I don’t know if I could have become the OWUSS Scholar without it.
“This program supported exceptional African American students pursuing fields of study related to the aquarium. Through the award and engagement experience, the Aquarium hoped to lower barriers by providing both financial support for academic endeavors, and community support through networking opportunities.” — Source
The mission and goal of this program made me feel recognized and hopeful, and it did exactly what it aimed to do. While still in school, I was able to focus more on diving and work one less job so I could focus more on classes and research. It even helped me prepare for my year as the OWUSS North American Scholar.
The Aquarium’s scholarship was able to push me right over the edge to qualify for the OWUSS. I needed one more trip to finish my rescue certification, and personally, I also wanted to gain more experience in the water before turning in my OWUSS application. The Aquarium allowed me to reach my goals as well as give me an extra boost of confidence.
To celebrate receiving this award from the Aquarium of the Pacific, as well as our accomplishments, current and past awardees were invited to attend the annual African American Scholar Symposium in Long Beach, CA and during the event, I was finally able to meet my fellow scholars, present about myself and my journey in my field, as well as take a breath and not feel so alone in my marine science endeavors.
In general, I talk a lot about my experiences navigating marine science as a woman of color and being the first in my family to go to university. I share about my background, having to work 2-3 jobs at a time while being a full-time student just to support myself and my love for diving. And overall, I am open to talking about the struggles and hard work that led me to where I am today. But being able to attend events such as this symposium and share my story and discuss it with people with similar experiences provided me with such a comfort and allowed me to leave the aquarium feeling a little bit lighter.
Throughout the day the scholars had the opportunity to watch presentations from some of the Aquarium of the Pacific staff showing the different work that they do. From building tanks, podcasting, working with frogs, and abalone out-planting, it is always really interesting to see how marine science can take you on so many different pathways. I hope as I continue this year, I keep getting exposed to numerous forms of work because I never know when something entirely new will spark my interest.
Along with all the different presentations, swapping stories (and talking about the ocean of course), we also got to explore a bit of the aquarium, which I thought was really cool!
However, despite having such an amazing time, the symposium itself was bittersweet.
Due to a recent decision in the Supreme Court on affirmative action, the Aquarium will no longer be offering this race-based scholarship. This is an award that broke barriers, opened doors, and built bridges for passionate black people who needed that extra bit of assistance to reach their goals. And this program being cut short after only three years feels like a step in the wrong direction. I am devastated and angry at this decision, but all I can do is hope that some of the race-based scholarships similar to the Aquarium’s are able to still exist and support others.
During my time at university, I was accepted into a lot of different programs that focused on assisting marginalized groups and providing individuals with a space and voice in marine science. I am incredibly grateful for opportunities such as this because I don’t know if I would be where I am today without them.
I know I am in the early stages of my marine science career, but I hope as I continue down this path I can also make a difference for various groups of people and help encourage careers in marine science, diving, or even just respect for the ocean. That could be done through work with non-profits, academic grant funding, helping a friend, or something in between. I don’t know yet, but I do know that I want to share the ocean and everything it has to offer with as many people as possible.
Despite the African American Program’s short life, keeping our heads high, the aquarium has committed to actively supporting the community of all 31 African American Scholars. Scholars will continuously be invited to in-person and virtual events and be able to engage with the aquarium through guest speaking, video making, volunteering, writing, etc. This award has created a network of supportive, engaged, and exceptional individuals, and I am so happy to be a part of it.
Huge thank you to the Aquarium of the Pacific for providing this opportunity, breaking financial barriers, and recognizing the systemic inequalities that too often limit participation in STEM, marine science, and other related fields.
Thank you to the Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society and our sponsor Rolex for making this scholarship experience a possibility. I would also like to thank Reef Photo and Video, Nauticam and Light and Motion for my underwater camera setup as well as Aqualung, Fourth Element, Suunto, Halcyon, and DUI for my diving equipment.
