Post-Panel Update
Thank you to everyone who joined our recent panel event on Nurturing Youth Leadership Through Ocean Conservation. We had a great turnout of 28 participants (41 registrations), including some familiar faces and lots of new ones. Special thanks to Mr. Steve Wang for turning on his video and showing us his adorable kids. We appreciated the enthusiasm and engagement from everyone who attended and look forward to continuing the conversation on ocean conservation. Following are the amazing questions asked by participants:
What motivates you to keep staying on this path?
My love for the ocean is a powerful force that drives me forward. I’ve seen firsthand through scuba diving how we humans have impacted the oceans and made them less inhabitable to the critters that live underwater. This experience has ignited a deep desire within me to take action and help restore the ocean to its full splendor. My research has reached various audiences from all sorts of backgrounds, and seeing the impact of my work has strengthened my belief that I can truly make a meaningful difference.
What are some major challenges that you encountered on your journey to advocate for ocean protection?
The greatest challenge is finding sustainable resources and a team to maintain a long-term commitment to this critical cause. That’s why I started AquaMeridian US! My goal is to inspire my peers and share the resources that helped me through my ocean/research journey to help others and the planet.
What is the best way to help the oceans as a seventh or eighth grader?
One very simple way is to attend beach cleanups! Picking up trash is a great way to chip into ocean conservation efforts. Inspiration and education are also the key factors in encouraging younger students to become passionate about ocean conservation - making simple pamphlets about ocean facts and distributing them at school club events is a great way to do so.
How do you balance school and out of school activities?
Even today, juggling schoolwork and extracurricular activities can to be very challenging. I have discovered that the most critical skill in managing both is prioritization; understanding which tasks are most important and require the most time. With the support and guidance of my parents throughout the years, I have honed this skill and can now confidently focus my efforts on what truly matters.
When did you have strong motivation to do your own passion capstone project?
In 8th grade, having my research project recognized at the science fair was a turning point. It was a validating experience that not only boosted my confidence, but also ignited a sense of responsibility. As I presented my findings and answered questions from the judges, I realized the importance of educating others about the environmental issue that I had studied. This motivated me to dive deeper into it, conduct more research, and share my findings with a wider audience.
How do you know and get Ms. Liz Taylor support?
My dad took me to visit DOER Marine when I was about 11, everything in Liz’s sub-marine workshop was so amazing to me. When I began my first science research project, I visited her again and sought her expertise on the environmental issues in Monterey. It really sparked my curiosity and finding direction for my research. I came back to her many times these years to build my engineering model.
I have an interest in animals and wildlife conservation, but want experience in the field to see if it really interests me. What will happen after the virtual meeting? Is there any way for me to be involved with this?
To encourage involvement in ocean conservation, AquaM US is committed to promoting ocean conservation and plans to showcase inspiring individuals and host impactful events as just some of the many ways to get involved. One upcoming event is a beach cleanup planned for late April, where we invite everyone to take action to protect our oceans. In addition, we will be partnering with DOER marine to provide an insightful guided tour, offering a unique and educational experience. Further details on these events will be shared in meddle of March, so please stay tuned.
