The Ocean's Reflection

As my very few readers can tell this blog is obviously not real. I wrote this in hope that it would inspire me to do my best in school to work towards what I want to do in my future, live and work as a marine biologist off the coasts of Australia.  Looking back on this past school year, this blog has aloud me to organize what I'm looking forward to and what I need to do to get there. With enough effort and hard work I hope that I can get the chance to study abroad not only in Australia but anywhere in the world that shares the same love of marine biology that I do.  I'm outrageously going to send my application to the University of Queensland. Not only is this a big gamble, it's also taking a giant leap towards my ultimate goal.

Being on this wonderful journey has made me realize what a precious gift life is. It can be taken away from you in a matter of what seems like harmless seconds.  Even if it isn't a family member or a close friend of yours it is still heartbreaking to hear of a young adult who has sadly passed away.  They were taken before they could truly live their life, and that reason right there is why I am so thankful to be where I am and done what I have done already in my short 17 years of life. I was given the chance to fulfill my dreams while another's life was taken away before he could truly experience the potential of what it could be.  It's a tragedy for the family to have to search for their loving brother, son, and best friend knowing that they will get no response when he is found.  This time will forever be with many and their hearts will never be fully repaired.
Rest In Paradise Stefan Fowler 

The Great Barrier Reef

The week my colleague and I traveled to the east coast of Australia we spent the whole time exploring the massive Great Barrier Reef. We stayed in Townsville a town right on the coast next to the center of the reef. The first thing we did was take a short drive straight to the beach where we met our captain for the week. He took us to the reef and we couldn't of been more excited. What were we going to do first?? As the nerves settled we decided to SCUBA dive, we couldn't wait any longer to see the beauty of the reef.

The time finally arrived. We got in our suits, turned the oxygen on, and dove into the dream. There are no words to describe this scene. The life under the water is outstanding. The colors are from a different world. I can't believe we finally get to see this underwater world that I've only seen in pictures. The length and depth of the coral is incredible and the small schools of fish swimming in and out of each other is just a different sight. My eyes are going a thousand places, never getting bored. My absolute favorite part was seeing the coral acting as homes for the sea creatures and and the villages that are built for them. Like I said in an earlier post, this is a sight straight form Finding Nemo. Literally, picture the scene when Nemo is going to his first day of school and they swim around the reef, that is what I saw.  Those images will forever be with me and I hope to come back again in the near future to escape from this world above the waters surface.

Next Chapter

What a journey it has been so far in the beautiful oceans off the coast of Perth, Australia.  I have recently discovered what I love most about the ocean, that is, the freedom you have to explore the life under the surface. There are countless numbers of species that have yet to be named and each one lives in a completely different way. How can they function and thrive in such an opposite environment has humans? The schools of fish interrupting our view from time to time is one interruption I will never be bothered by.

A co-worker of mine shares the same dream as me, to explore the Great Barrier Reef.  Seeing the spectrum of colors in the clear waters and coral reefs that look like a scene straight out of Finding Nemo is what I am most excited to explore. Since the Great Barrier Reef is on the east coast of Australia, we will be leaving next week to start the next chapter of our adventure.

Life Goes On

A tragedy struck my family while I was here. On a gloomy Sunday my grandpa passed away. I got the call and didn't do anything but cry and watch the waves crash. To clear my head I went for a walk. I crossed paths with the most beautiful flower I had ever seen. Something had drawn me to the bird of paradise flower and that's how I knew my grandpa was in a better place. Rest In Paradise Pop.

Out on the vast sea, dolphins jumping out of the water, and a rainbow of colors dancing in the water. Is this paradise? I think yes. We have been studying the coral reefs now for a couple weeks and the things I am seeing are just astonishing. It's like a scene straight out of Finding Nemo.  The number of fish and the underwater plants is absolutely amazing.  One thing that really caught my eye was the light pink sea horses. I have never seen anything like them!!

The Crew I am working with is made of about 5 people, my instructor and 3 others like me.  We all have one common goal while we are here and that is to see and learn as much as we can about the waters of Australia.  All of us wanted to dive in and see what nobody else has seen.  Our adventures continue as we search the never ending oceans.

Let The Adventure Begin!!

Hello from Perth, Australia!! After my 14 hour flight I finally made it to the lone continent.  As I thanked the pilot and took my first steps on Australian soil, the first thing i noticed was the magnificent scenery.  Straight ahead was the beautiful Indian Ocean and to my left was an open plain with kangroos, yes kangaroos, jumping all over the place. As my taxi driver made his way to my new beach house i couldn't keep my eyes off the coast.  The vast ocean was just calling my name!! Once I had finally reached my new home, jet lag had kicked in. With the vision of finally being able to get out on the ocean and working with the animals, I had to call it a day.  My adventure has yet to begin so keep in tune for the next step in my journey!!
-CK