Nicodemus Wilderness Project -- Global Registry of Apprentice Ecologists

My path to a meaningful life involves science and service. Science is an adventure of the mind; service is a commitment to helping without expectation of reward. My love for science has existed for as long as I can remember. My commitment to service blossomed when I witnessed a sea turtle nest hatching. As I watched the turtles begin a miraculous journey, I sensed that somehow my life would be linked to these extraordinary reptiles. I began researching sea turtles and was shocked to learn about their endangered status. I needed to do something to make a difference. I joined the Sea Turtle Preservation Society (STPS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public about marine turtles.
At age ten, I sponsored a sea turtle nest and began taking classes to learn about the turtles and how I could get involved. The STPS participates in ongoing research to gather information on sea turtle populations and birth rates. Due to my enthusiasm for science, dedication, and growing passion for the turtles, I became the first person under the age of eighteen allowed to join the STPS nesting survey team. I started weekends at five in the morning cleaning beaches and marking sea turtle nests. My involvement broadened to include participating in night walks, nest excavations, releases, relocations, and beach lighting seminars.
When I turned thirteen, I moved 150 miles away. This has not stopped me from continuing my service. I still participate on the nesting team during turtle seasons. I was also involved in a nest relocation project after the BP oil spill in 2010. Hundreds of turtle nests were relocated from St. George Island to Cape Canaveral for a chance at survival. This was one of the most incredible experiences in my life. There is nothing like the feeling knowing that you are making a real difference in the survival of an endangered species, saving innocent creatures.
Over the past seven years, I have maintained commitment to service for the STPS, logging over four hundred volunteer hours. I have educated family, friends, and fellow Floridians about sea turtles and preservation activities. My passion for science, service, and respect for this marine creature, encouraged me to found a Science National Honor Society (SNHS) at my high school. As the president for this society, I have arranged the judging of local science fairs as service events. Later this spring, the SNHS members are scheduled to participate in STPS activities. With the help of SNHS friends, I plan to start a Gulf Coast chapter of STPS to continue serving, educating, and sharing my love of science.
It is my dream to pursue an education rich in science and a career in medicine. I am excited about bringing my academic talents, love of science, and passion for service to a college community. It would mean the world to me to be granted this scholarship to help pursue my dreams to continue down my path of science and service!