Growing up in Kansas we didn’t see a lot of sea life, but through the “living color” of The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau, an entire world was opened to me. Each week I eagerly followed the explorations and exploits of the Cousteau team as they dove in the open ocean and swam among wrecks and reefs. I joined the Cousteau Society and began my conservation efforts through their actions.
The ocean became an important part of my life throughout my childhood after I came face to face with marine animals and mammals on a trip with my cousins. Among all of the beauty I saw, it was the sharks that fascinated me the most. Their “aero-” (hydro-) dynamic shapes and “wings” (fins) stole my imagination and intertwined with my love of airplanes. I quickly absorbed anything I could to learn more about these creatures and was soon able to identify them by their common and scientific names. I would draw them in my notebooks at school in scenes with airplanes above and would collect artifacts with images of sharks.
When it came to deciding the course of my life, airplanes became my future ahead of sharks. The actual experience of working with sharks and being near them was withheld from me due to my land-locked situation. I often wonder if, had I been raised near the sea, sharks would be the forefront of my career and airplanes my hobby, instead of the other way around.
What’s Your Story?
Over 15 years we’ve heard stories about the lives the Aquarium has influenced and now we are asking for your help to capture these amazing stories and share them with the world.
Share your story with us by submitting below through e-mail. If you’d prefer to tell us your story call us, (843) 579-8508.
Thanks for making us a part of your life.