28 February 2014 Search for Tomorrow on Every Shore: Meet Emily

Journal

I'm sailing away,
Set an open course for the virgin sea,
'Cause I've got to be free,
Free to face the life that's ahead of me,
On board, I'm the captain, so climb aboard,
We'll search for tomorrow on every shore

Thank you Styx for the great tune

Meet Emily

Attending an Ocean Sciences Meeting in Honolulu, HI as a senior in high school is not nearly intimidating as attending another science conference as an eighth grader. Since attending the State of the Arctic conference in Miami, FL four years ago, I have become more confident in my scientific ability and I now feel more comfortable around scientists and professors. Yet, there is still one thing that makes me anxious and nervous at the mere thought of it. And that is choosing where I attend college. After getting through the nerve-wracking experience of applying and waiting for acceptance letters, I am still left with many choices: East coast or West coast, small or large, public or private, urban or rural. Though I've gotten advice and opinions from everyone and their brother, I found the most help in the place I least expected, at the Ocean Sciences Meeting.

Emily at the State of the Arctic 2012 — Emily at the State of Arctic Conference in Miami, presenting her first poster. 8th grade, 2012.

I first experienced this guidance at a mentoring breakfast early in the week; right before leaving I noticed that the woman sitting next to me had a planner from Bowdoin College. I was considering that school! After getting her information and planning to meet up later, I stopped by her poster during the Poster Session and got a better chance to ask her about her experience at Bowdoin. I found her information way more helpful than that of any tour guide; she was honest and in-depth without sugar-coating anything. I finally had some of my questions answered by someone who understood where I was coming from, from the perspective of a fellow female scientist.

Emily learning about Bowdin — Emily chatting with a female scientist from Bowdin

Throughout the week, I experienced an outpouring of knowledge, guidance, and compassion from people who asked me about college. I got to meet several people who had attended, or taught at, schools that I was looking into for college. I got first-hand reports of research opportunities, professors, community dynamics, and graduate programs. I even got to learn about a semester program aboard a ship, Sea Semester, from Jim Foley of C-MORE (Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education). By networking and connecting at the conference, I have a better idea of what to look for in a school and I also have a better idea of where I would like to go. Attending the conference has given me valuable experience in presenting a poster, and it has also given me greater knowledge in my college search.