I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t involved in shepherding a living being through the phases of life: from catching tadpoles in the creek and watching them grow in plastic containers, keeping my first goldfish alive, to caring for my pet rat Sniffles. Growing up in the suburbs of San Francisco, I spent my days outside, creating my own entertainment, experiencing the free-range childhood as a child of the 70s and 80s. Whether building forts, exploring the nearby creek, swimming, playing soccer, or running track, I was my best when outdoors and active.I was especially captivated by fish, how they breathe and move. I found a way to bring the outdoors — and nature — inside by collecting large freshwater fish in aquariums, eventually amassing a school of them, kept in multiple tanks, in every inch of my bedroom. Curiosity is why I was destined to become a biologist, given my fascination with the world around me and the creatures within it. Patience, persistence, and hard work were tools I’d soon need to employ if I was going to become a marine biologist. I found all of these attributes from my parents for which a debt of gratitude should be paid. They laid the foundation for me as I faced more obstacles than most, and giving up was never considered an option. After realizing I had a learning disability, I experienced first-hand what patience and hard work really meant — from additional time on homework, tutors, and accommodations, my parents ensured I found success. I am allergic to laziness, standing out as someone who works harder than most.After earning a bachelor’s in Aquatic Biology and a master’s in Freshwater and Saltwater Biology, I started working for the US Fish and Wildlife, finding a career protecting fish and the environment.As someone who learns by doing, I am methodical, having always tinkered with processes, planned for contingencies, created routines and learned by trial and error. My time building forts as a child, dragging wood from construction sites, learning bodybuilding, brewing beer, growing fruit trees and vegetables were the precursors for growing Atlantic pumpkins today.For me, having a hobby brings joy, entertainment, and pride — providing a distraction from regular life, and a different perspective. Plus, as someone who is rather quiet, hobbies always served as a great conversation starter. I continue to find energy through the rhythm and routine of mornings, following a self-prescribed order of events before leaving for work — exercise, shower, bible study, breakfast. Whether the result of following Jesus or enjoying the journey, I like to share what I’ve learned, whether personally or professionally. I am on a journey and want to take others on that journey too, believing we are all stronger together.Read more about this authorRead less about this author