Smart Talk - Dr. Sylvia Earle Part 2
This past week my husband and I were fortunate enough to see Dr. Sylvia Earle (a Marine Biologist for National Geographic) speak for the Smart Talk Series. We also had the pleasure of meeting her before the talk, as you can see from the above picture.
Her physical stature reminded me of my husband's Grandmother, yet her knowledge and wisdom was something that I had only read and dreamed about as a little girl. Throughout her talk I was continuously taken back in time to when I
wanted to be a Biologist and work with any kind of creature I could
find. Her knowledge of the oceans reminded me of when I meticulously read every National Geographic article I could get my hands on, and religiously watched the Discovery Channel's Shark Week. I so desperately wanted to dive in with those sharks, even though it frightened me. I believed, and still do, that I could help the Earth by learning as much as I could about its creatures and environmental emotions. Her love for the ocean, and all it's inhabitants, is inspirational and contagious. I gained more from her talk the other night than I had expected.
Dr. Earle explained why the oceans are so important to us and to our struggling planet. How the ocean is the "blue heart of the planet," and that it is a greater source of oxygen for us than trees. She discussed her love of Google Earth and how she got them to start adding parts of the ocean into it. Google Earth is now blue as well as green. Her wish for all of us is to be able to see the ocean, to dive in and really get to know it. Before we are 81, like her mother was when she first went in.
Her advice to everyone is to just be aware. Aware of everything we do and how it effects the world and oceans around us. To not only be aware, but to also bring that awareness to our children because they are our future. You don't have to be a scientist to do this either. Dr. Earle says that you can use whatever talent you already have, whether it is music, math, etc. to help bring awareness to others and into your own life. Also, to help the oceans and lands around you.
Not only is she an inspiration when it comes to science and nature, but she is a role model for women everywhere. She grew up in a time when women becoming anything but housewives was unheard of. Yet she still became one of the greatest pioneers in her field as well as for her gender. Her determination and love for the great blue yonder helped her fulfill her dream, and helped make it possible for future, female generations make their dreams come true. Even though I did not follow the path to becoming a Biologist, it is because of women like Dr. Sylvia Earle that I was even allowed to dream of becoming one. And have the opportunity to still to do so, if I choose. Who knows, maybe one day I will be in a cage hand feeding Great White Sharks submerged in the great blue heart of our planet.
If you have not seen her speak I highly recommend that you do. Dr. Sylvia Earle will inspire, as well as teach you something at the same time. Let her lead you into the wild blue yonder that is our ocean. Tickets for the 2009 Smart Talk Series are still on sale, highlighting many leading ladies like Dr. Earle. Below is a clip featuring her from National Geographic. Enjoy!
