About Me
My name is Samantha Young and I have wanted to study marine science since I was 9 years old. In 2016, I was accepted at the University of South Carolina as a Capstone Scholar to study just that. After 4 years of hard work, I will be graduating in May 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in marine science.
I grew up in a very small town called Wellsboro, Pennsylvania. My town has two stoplights and only three fast food restaurants, but it is home to many amazing things. The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon is only 10 minutes from my house and Wellsboro holds many state-wide celebrations including the Laurel Festival and Dickens of a Christmas.
Before coming to college, I made a list of things I wanted to accomplish as a college student. The number one spot on that list was held by studying abroad. I love to travel and learn so studying abroad made so much sense to me. During my junior year spring semester, I made a journey to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.
While abroad, I spent one month on the mainland of Ecuador and three months on the Galapagos Islands, a province of Ecuador approximately 500 miles off the coast, right along the equator. While abroad, I was able to study five classes: marine ecology, marine life, marine research techniques I and II, and marine ecosystem-based management. These classes gave me a chance to conduct independent research projects, gain in-depth research techniques, and explore the beauty of the ocean in a different region of the Earth. I learned a lot about the culture of the people living on the islands, the importance of the lifestyles they live, and the factors that could be improved to help problems like pollution on the islands. I also got the chance to participate in some unique activities including teaching English to the local students on the islands and running a summer camp for the younger kids there.
Overall, I had an eye-opening experience abroad. These experiences inspired me to apply for Graduation with Leadership Distinction in Global Learning so I could share some of my insights and experiences with others. After graduation, I am hoping to further my education in marine science studying sustainability in fisheries and aquaculture.
