In college, I was torn between majoring in biology and physics. Physics won because of an incredible female professor I had for one of the hardest physics classes I every took. She convinced me that I was capable and actually really good at physics. She made me feel that if she can do physics, I can do physics.

I wanted to try my hands at scientific research, so I applied to work in one of my professors lab for a summer. I worked with ultrafast lasers to study the thermal and acoustical properties of nanoscale thin films that are used in semiconductors and electronics. Although I really enjoyed conducting research, I wasn't passionate about the topic. I then started asking myself what physical dynamics, processes, phenomena really pique my interest?

I entered oceanography after reflecting on my high school summers when I went canoe tripping in Canada. I remembered being fascinated by the water swirling as I pulled my paddle through lakes and rivers. This led me to googling the physics of water and discovered the field of fluid dynamics. Next thing I knew, I had landed an NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates at University of California at San Diego in the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. My summer there sealed the deal. I worked with an incredibly supportive and encouraging professor, who also convinced me I could pivot into this new field. I decided to apply to physical oceanography graduate programs and pursue a career as a marine scientist.