My home is in Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland City), which has many harbours and beaches. Within one hour drive from my house I can visit the Tasman Sea to the west, and the Pacific Ocean to the east. 

My local moana (ocean) is Tīkapa Moana (The Hauraki Gulf). I have lived beside this water most of my life. It is a place where I have had many happy adventures with family and friends. The sea is a source of food and fun for most Aucklanders. I have played in it, taken fish from it, sailed on it. 

Sadly, our local marine environment is under pressure, and I feel a strong sense of responsibility to protect this special place for future generations. My hope is to create is a safe and clean ocean environment for all to enjoy. 

Not much sea to explore there, but my dad was keen on fishing, which really got the whole water thing going for me. My father's passion for the sea is something I wholeheartedly share.

The overall concept of the ocean fascinated me as long as I can remember. The unexplored depths were calling to me from the works of H.P. Lovecraft and all sorts of fantasy and sci-fi movies. I'm a fan of diving and snorkeling, plan on getting a diver's certificate this year. I've studied international relations and worked in the sphere of Management and external communications. But science in general and marine biology in particular has never really gone off my radar.

I'm willing to go study marine biology in New Zealand next year. Plan on going the whole way to a PhD and commit to a scientific career. The Antarctic region and it's flora is of particular interest to me as well as the prospects of astrobiology.

I hope this course will help me make a more clear roadmap and help me find some people who may share helpful advice on my upcoming steps.

Let's make this world a better place together!