The First Leap: One O-STEAM fellow’s experience
Questions swirled in my head: "Am I qualified enough? Will my application stand out? What if I don't get accepted?"
As I sat down to revise my O-STEAM application for the last time, a wave of anxiety washed over me. Thoughts of fierce competition and self-doubt crept into my mind, making each keystroke feel like a monumental decision. Yet, amidst the anxiety, I reminded myself that this was only the first step towards growth, learning, and new opportunities. After a couple of moments, I closed my eyes and hit submit. Embracing the discomfort, I sent out an application for my first official steps into the marine biology world.
On May 24, coincidentally in the middle of my drawing for understanding field science class, I got the email I was accepted.
"Empowering" is the only word that continually echoes in my mind when I think about my time at O-STEAM. Ocean STEAM Powered Women was an experience that exceeded everything that I thought I had applied for. It wasn't just a program; it was a journey that opened my eyes to the wonders of our oceans and the limitless possibilities of scientific exploration.
One of the most remarkable aspects of O-STEAM was the opportunity to learn from both professionals and the other fellows. The collective passion for marine science was so strong, and it gave me the reassurance I needed to continue my studies in this field. Having conversations with the other girls about their passions introduced us to a ton of interesting topics, leaving me with enough book and movie recommendations to last a decade. The dinners we had with female experts in the field were extremely valuable. Witnessing these resilient women in leadership roles offered a sense of comfort and inspiration, and gave me a lot of hope to push forward. Lots of them had similar upbringings and childhoods to mine, and it was amazing to hear how their journeys within marine biology weren’t always linear at the start.
What truly set O-STEAM apart was the hands-on exploration when it came to animals and ships. The Zephyr quickly became my favorite part of the trip; it took us to places that most ordinary people don’t get the chance to see. The wind in my hair, and the salty breeze--as cliche as it sounds--was amazing. I could sense everyone around me buzzing with excitement as we headed out. I remember the exhilaration of deploying underwater cameras and various dredges, capturing glimpses of the hidden treasures beneath the surface. Of course, we also can’t forget actually handling the animals; despite one of the crabs pinching me, I loved seeing and feeling them up close. We had different containers holding different animals and multiple experts onboard which really helped. It gave us a good sense of their anatomy and built a stronger understanding of what they do for their ecosystem and how they fit in.
But it wasn't just about what lay beneath the surface. O-STEAM had a way of immersing us in the marine environment digitally too. Analyzing dolphin whistles quickly became a massive part of our week, and perhaps became one of the most profound moments of my O-STEAM experience. The realization that I was part of something bigger fascinated me. Working with real data from Sarasota Bay, we, as O-STEAM fellows, contributed to cutting-edge research on dolphin communication! It was a humbling experience to know that our efforts were making significant strides in understanding these remarkable creatures and their intricate language. I think we all know the tech industry is consistently growing, and so being able to experience this side of the marine biology field was really helpful. This sense of purpose was a driving force that fueled a lot of our determination to excel through the tougher parts.
From playing card games and sharing breakfast recipes to roasting smores and playing nighttime volleyball, I can wholeheartedly say that I love the nine other girls who experienced O-STEAM with me. So, to the girl from last March who hesitated, I would say, "You did more than just attend O-STEAM; you found a second family." Never would I have thought I would find a community of people who I bonded with overnight (literally). We still talk in our group chat reminiscing over funny and embarrassing behind-the-scenes moments that happened during our time at O-STEAM. I’ve also made a pact with another fellow promising her that if she engineered me a submarine (which is related to the field she’s hoping to go into), I’ll 100% go down in it! The bonds I made are bonds I’ll hold forever, and I’m excited to see what our futures hold.
As I write these words, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. O-STEAM gave me the opportunity to discover the beauty of our oceans and the thrill of scientific exploration. It showed me that with passion, dedication, and the right guidance, we’re able to achieve much more than we give yourselves credit for. O-STEAM has not only nurtured my love for marine science but has also provided a platform for me to grow and connect with a network of like-minded individuals. Through this program, I've had the privilege to forge valuable connections with professionals and enthusiasts alike. These connections have led me to opportunities at other marine science and robotics institutions such as the New England Aquarium, where I work with other ClimaTeens to push climate change education into the world, and the JumpStart program at MassRobotics, which helps diverse high school girls break into the engineering and coding field and build professional networks through direct engagement with industry professionals. I plan to continue studying marine biology, and I couldn’t have gotten as far as I am now without O-STEAM’s help.