It is absolutely heartwarming to think I am joining such a prestigious, kind, funny, and caring group of ocean professionals from across the globe. I was lucky enough to be selected as the Australasian Scholar during the 50th anniversary of the society, bringing in over 100 scholars and interns from its long history of empowering young marine leaders. From Professors in marine megafauna movement, to expedition leaders, to videography directors, to diving technicians, the breadth of individuals that attended was mind-blowing.
We kicked the festivities off with an alumni symposium, hearing the stories of over 20 scholars and all the incredible things they’ve achieved since finishing their scholarship year. We celebrated and listened to the stories of returning scholars and interns at the New York Yacht club and Times Center, and introduced the incoming talented young cohort on Saturday evening.
The entire weekend was spent mingling with ocean leaders in conservation, filmmaking, photography, parabolic medicine and diving! I was inspired to see all of the talent everyone has and is willing to share so openly to eager young marine professionals like myself.
It was daunting to be introduced to a group of such esteemed, high performing individuals. At the same time, it’s not an overstatement to say it was one of my greatest privileges I’ve experienced in my lifetime thus far. I felt so inspired realising that people who were in my shoes 10, 20 or 30 years ago have gone on to have such successful, grand careers in anything they set their mind to. It fills me with hope, to realise I too can do anything I set my mind to. The resources I’m provided with this year supercharge this reality, and I still wake up every day pinching myself to the fact it’s real.
I am honoured to join such a fun, kind, intelligent, caring and open group of people that create the society.
I am forever grateful to the Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society for hosting such a wonderful event, and empowering me with the opportunity to represent Australasia as the Scholar this year. I want to thank Rolex for its 50 years of support, for without it the scholarship would not be where it is today. I also want to thank the various other sponsors that make our year so wonderful including Tabata Australia, Waterproof, Tusa, Mako Eyewear and The Fourth Element.
Lastly, I wish to thank the huge list of friends, family, colleagues and supervisors for the immense amount of support you all have and continuously given me. I would never be where I am today without it.
