Scientists tell us that our sense of smell is the sense most closely related to memory. I have to say I agree. It only takes a whiff of freshly brewed lemon tea to transport me back to my childhood. I remember going over to my grandparents’ house every week and being spoiled with home cooked food and Jell-O with a mountain of whipped cream. I always looked up to my grandmother. My sister and I used to take turns sitting on her lap and having her write on our backs with her long nails. We would guess the words she would spell for hours.
My grandma was born into a very large family. With seven other siblings, she found herself growing up in a small, crowded home. Her parents were far from rich, so she had to work hard for everything she wanted. In her life, her kindness has been mistaken for weakness. She was not weak. She was strong. In fact, she was stronger than she ever gave herself credit for. She lived with health problems her whole life. It had never been easy for her, but she always had a smile on her face, and her grandchildren in her heart.
In 2014, my grandmother died of cancer. She had always said how she wished she could travel to Ireland. Although we were too young at the time, my sister and I agreed that we would start planning a trip to Ireland. We wanted to experience all of the things that my grandmother was never able to do. The moment I saw Ireland’s lush green landscape from the airplane’s window as we began our descent into Dublin, I sensed I was entering a world that was unlike anything I had experienced before. When I walked outside the airport and the sea breeze hit me; I was enchanted. For the next week, I left everything behind me and let Ireland sink into every pore of my being. I have never felt my grandmother’s presence after her death, until I arrived in Ireland.
Ireland engages every one of the human senses unlike no other. The landscapes, the food, the drink, the people, and the mystical energy of Ireland created a festival for all of my senses and kept me mesmerized. This was an adventure that I never could have imagined. The people were as interesting to me as the perfect landscapes. Coming from Florida, where the drivers are very impatient and rude, I was struck by how the people in Ireland stop, and instead of yelling, asked us to pull over so they could help us with directions. The absence of arrogance in the Irish people left me falling in love with everyone I spoke with; the open hearts, the transparency, the pure intentions.
My favorite part of the trip was a bus tour we took to Northern Ireland to visit the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge. Originally built by fishermen to gain access to their salmon nets, the rope bridge provides an exhilarating challenge since it sways with each gust of wind and sits nearly 100 feet above the rocky waters. The rush I felt as the bridge shook beneath my rain boots was a feeling that I will never forget. After making it safely to solid ground, I was rewarded with spectacular views of Northern Ireland’s coastline.
Traveling has not only been something that I do, but it has been something that has become a part of me. I have a passion to travel. I haven't been to every state or every continent, but I have had my share of travel. Traveling is not only a way to get away—it’s a way to learn and experience life through different cultures and pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone. But nowhere in the world can compare to my home, when I am surrounded by my family.
You often come across the question: Who are the most important people in your life? The first word that immediately comes to my mind: family. My mother, my father, my sister, and my grandparents. These are the people that I know for a fact will be by my side when I need them the most, no matter what happens.
My parents are two of the most hard-working people I know. They are the ones that have given me everything from day I was born. From money to go out with friends to shelter, food, clothes, and heath; they have always been there for me. They give up so much for me sometimes, and I couldn’t be more thankful for that.
In this world of doubt, insecurity, and fear, my family is always there for me, holding their arms open to me with love. On the first day of first grade, I didn't want to go to school. I had butterflies in my stomach and I found it difficult to walk because I was so nervous. The only reason that I finally went into the classroom is because my mom walked in with me, and promised me that as soon as school was out, she'd be there waiting for me, ready to bring me back home.
Luckily, I'm a little more grown up now; I can go into school by myself. I even went to another state without any of my family by my side. It's pretty easy to stay in one place your whole life. Some people love that and don't feel the need to venture out and see what the world has to offer, while others are itching in their seats to explore the rest of the world. I am the latter. The beauty of college is that it can be a new start and there are thousands of colleges all over the country, as well as world.
By moving to Florida, without knowing anyone or anything, I believe that I have realized that marine biology is something that I am truly passionate about and want to continue. I have volunteered at the Marine Science Center and talked to trainers at Marineland, Discovery Cove, Seaworld, and whale watching programs. The decision to move out of state for college was difficult, I had to give up all of my friends and family. But ever since I visited Discovery Cove with my dad, I have dreamt and pursued towards a career with marine mammals. Swimming with dolphins was a life-long dream of mine, and I couldn’t have imagined going with anyone else besides my dad.
My love for marine mammals began when my parents took us on a boat trip in Massachusetts. As my sister and I watched my grandfather fishing off the side of the boat, we also had our eyes peeking out into the distance, as the boat captain told us we might see a dolphin. Finally, as the day drew to a close, a dolphin appeared off the stern. We watched as it came up for air and swam alongside the boat. We all were captivated.
As I grew up, I became obsessed with reading marine biology books and learning about fish and dolphins. As a surprise, my father took me to Discovery Cove for my 10th birthday. On the day of our swim, we were greeted and instructed where to get a wetsuit, snorkel, mask and towels. After a few wetsuit changes, we found the perfect fit and we were ready to go. Joined by two dolphin trainers, and another family, we headed over to the lagoon. We eagerly watched as a 6-year-old 600-pound dolphin named Hutch approached; no one mentioned the chilly water. As Hutch glided past we reached out our hands and touched his skin. It was hard and muscular, rubbery and smooth, strong and powerful. We were non-stop smiles and giggles from then on. When I kissed Hutch, he rolled over and played dead. I gave him a belly pat and sent it on its way. I couldn’t believe that after years of watching something that I could never be close to, we had just spent a morning with them; touching, playing, feeding, interacting and learning.