Michelle Watson

Hello world,

I was brought into this world in Queens, New York and at the age of four, my family moved to the south, specifically Georgia. I can remember wondering why of all places did we move to Georgia? I mean, New York is like the best place ever! People would kill to visit New York, even better, LIVE in New York. But nonetheless, I had no say in where I was going at the moment. I was going to grow up in Georgia but still stick to my native New York roots.

Growing up, I seemed to have this huge fascination with sea life. By the age of 8 I knew I wanted to be marine biologist. I had already read all of the books in the librabry on various species of dolphins and whales. I knew what the most venomous animal in the world was. (By the way, it is the box jellyfish.) However around the same time, in about third grade I received my first journal as a gift. I didn't think much of it but I did begin to write in it.

My pattern continued in middle school. By 7th grade I had already read all of the books in the library about sea life. Now that I was older, I decided to look up education options for marine studeies and found that you had to pursue a doctorate degree to even be considered a marine biologist. I thought...no I don't want to do that....AT ALL. What are my other options? Meanwhile my collection of journals was growing. I kept a steady journal in my room at all times. It was a place for me to vent, explore, and most importantly: put my ideas on paper. I could write whatever I wanted and it was mine. No one could judge me, talk back to me, or tell me that it was bad.

This is where my epiphany came...WHAT IF...I could write about marine biology for a living? Like...I could work at National Geographic or Seaworld or at an Aquarium or ANYWHERE that gave me the chance to express my love for marine life? I knew I could write and I knew I loved sea animals but where and how could I combine these two passions? That was the day that I decided to become a journalist with one major goal: to someday work at a marine life company writing stories and/or promoting them.

So there you have it. I am now a journalism major at Louisiana State University learning all the tools of the trade. I hope to one day share my love of marine life with everyone else through my writing.

(And if you were wondering, yes, I do still have a daily journal. It is my COLLEGE EDITION journal.)