By Karen Provazza, SSC Senior Director of Communications and Marketing
Ava Leslie grew up in New York City and recalls that she became a “nature girl” in the tide pools at Odiorne Point State Park around the age of six when she attended Seacoast Science Center’s Safari Camp. “I was always a curious child, but was especially allured by the wonder of the ocean and its creatures,” Ava explains. Now at age 17, Ava is still driven by her curiosity.
“I’ve spent time in California, Spain, England and France with my family, and am fascinated by the similarities and differences of the ocean at each place. During the summer, I stayed with my grandparents in Kittery Point, Maine before moving there permanently around four years ago.” During those years, Ava continued participating in SSC’s camp programs, advancing from Safari Camp to Stewards, and to our Marine Biology Camp for High School Students.
Ava claims that she never misses an opportunity to share her knowledge of the coastal and ocean environment with her family and friends. It is important to her to encourage others to discover the wonder of the world beneath the waves and fuel their curiosity.
A senior at Berwick Academy, Ava is considering pursuing a degree in marine biology, but she also has a strong interest in psychology, theater, and the arts. She noted, “So, I think I may start in liberal arts and figure things out from there.”
When I asked Ava what is most meaningful to her about her time at SSC, her answer gave me pause. She said SSC was her stability in a childhood where she moved a lot. It is where she learned that no matter what differences people have, here they can enjoy their shared curiosity and sense of wonder together. The ocean bridges gaps and unites people.
There is one ocean, one people.
Thank you, Ava, for giving me pause to reflect in shared gratitude for the many gifts one world ocean provides.
