Caleb--My Passion

Before Reading this I will admit, I have watched Blackfish I agree with and disagree with many things in that movie. If you’d like to debate about that see me in person I’d love to chat.

Like many young children, I developed a passion to work with killer whales when my parents took me to Sea World at the age of four.  A typical story, I know.  However, my story is not as conventional as you might think.  What makes this story distinct is that I have remained whole-heartedly committed to my dream.

I remember the first time I went to Sea World as a child.  I was in the car with my mother, father, and two older cousins.  The two-hour trip made me even more anxious to arrive at our destination.  As we approached, I could see the park from the freeway and my excitement increased.  We finally arrived, parked the car and began our trek into the theme park.  As I entered the gates, I could smell the salt water in the air, hear the smooth jazz music in the background, and the noises from other excited children.  We walked toward “Shamu Stadium.”  There I saw the most incredible animal - a creature enormous in size, with smooth black skin, a white underside, and complementary white patches…the killer whale.  As it swam past me, I could see the muscles under the skin working effortlessly to perform its movements.  I was in a state of awe.  I then left “Shamu Stadium” and visited other animals in the park: dolphins, beluga whales, seals, and a myriad of other aquatic creatures.  Each had its own unique characteristics and environment and every time I saw a new animal, I had the same reaction.  By the end of day, a passion had been sparked in me that would not be quenched.  I wanted to spend my life working with marine animals.

To this very day, I remain committed to my dream, which will soon become my reality.  I have spent the last several years in preparation.  I studied numerous documentaries on the ocean and performed countless hours of research on many different aquatic animals.  I also became a junior lifeguard and devoted myself to that program, which positioned me to become a fully certified lifeguard.  Being a lifeguard helped me to become a strong swimmer, taught me many valuable life skills, and increased my love for the water.  I learned to be independent, responsible and developed a strong work ethic.  My love for the water and marine animals has greatly influenced my career choice, a goal to which I have been fully devoted.  I approach this next phase of my life with fortitude and tenacity ready to embrace the challenges ahead of me.