Rachael DeWitt

• What does being a First-Generation College Graduate mean to you?

To me, being a First-Generation College Graduate means carrying the torch forward. I have been given incredible opportunities that my parents and previous generations have worked hard to help me obtain, and I hope to elevate and expand these opportunities to the people around me and to future generations.

• What is your proudest moment from your time at UCSD?

Completing my capstone project with the 100 Island Challenge and OneReef. I am honored to have made connections and built relationships with people who are implementing coral reef conservation around the world. I am eternally grateful to the 100 Island Challenge and OneReef team for trusting me to convey the value of traditional stewardship and science in implementing conservation.

• Who are the family members, friends or loved ones who have been most influential throughout your college journey? Are there any words of gratitude you would like to share with them?

Mom and Dad- Thank you for your love, generosity, and support. You have given me my love of the ocean and water, and you have pushed me to pursue my dreams. Thank you for always being there to lend an ear, provide advice, and send care packages from home. I could not have done it without you.

• Who are the staff, faculty or mentors who have been most influential throughout your college journey? Are there any words of gratitude you would like to share with them?

Dr. Richard Norris, Ph.D- Thank you for always supporting me, giving words of advice, helping me find ways to attend Scripps, motivating me to pursue my dreams, and supplying limitless generosity. Your kindness and compassion know no bounds. Your are an incredible mentor, and I hope to one day inspire up an coming marine biologists as you have done for me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Dr. Stuart Sandin, Ph.D- Thank you for bringing me into your lab and allowing me to pursue my dream of coral reef ecology. You pushed me to increase my knowledge base around coral reef conservation, and you inspired me to make new connections. I cannot thank you enough for your support and for trusting me to build on your projects. It has been an honor to work with you. I am glad to know you as a colleague and friend.

• What do you plan or hope to do after graduating?

Work in a leadership role for a coral reef conservation not-for-profit