University of New England

My name is Heather Taylor, I was born and raised in Hampton, New Hampshire and attend the University of New England as a psychobiology major.

My 5th grade science teacher taught a section on marine life, and ever since then, I knew exactly what I was going to do later in life. In addition, my high school marine science teacher at Winnacunnet High School let me attend all field trips all four years while attending. I fed all the organisms every morning, and senior year, I was asked to help her assist teaching in the class. She was the one that recommended UNE to me. I now plan to graduate in May 2004.

The Psychology Department at UNE has been nothing but helpful and caring through all four years I have been here. I have become close to many of the faculty members in this department; it is almost like a family. I thank them for everything they have done for me. Anytime I had a question, I was always able to find someone in this department to help me, and to tell me exactly whom I needed to speak with. I was able to sit and talk about anything that was bothering me, and they seemed to help me through it all.

In May 2002, I decided it was time to head down to Key West, Florida to visit my cousin Tim. For many years prior, Tim and my dad had tried to get me to down to Florida, but since I had never been away from home, I was scared and passed it up for many years.

Since 2002, I have worked, and become friends with many new people in Key West. I have worked with Mote's Research Crew, National Geographic, professors, and their students from around the United States. I have been able to take part in shark tagging and shark filming for National Geographic's television specials, learn how coral is restored and see an underwater robot at great depths.

Tim has broadened my horizons, and taught me many things, ranging from science to learning how to become captain of a boat. I have realized that being on the ocean and researching animals is where I belong.

A couple months ago, I have begun to realize that my school years are closing, but my career is just beginning. I have been asked by Tim and a local lab in Key West to work full-time with them. I have not decided where I will work yet, but both are great opportunities. I will be moving at the end of 2004, and Florida will become my new home. My chances of a lifetime have started to come true. From there, I will go to captain's school and receive my license to captain a boat, but first, I need more coaching from Tim.