Elysa Thompson wants to pursue marine science so out-of-classroom experiences will be so important. The Kansas native is attending Purdue University and hopes study abroad. As a 1,000 Dreams Fund Fall 2017 Scholarship recipient, she is excited to expand her knowledge of coral reefs and marine habitats with field work in the ocean.

What is your professional dream?

Become a Marine Ecologist and to work on the conservation and rehabilitation of coral reef habitat.

How will you use the 1,000 Dreams Scholarship?

Study abroad and gain in the field experience of marine science.

How is this helping you get closer to your dream? 

By having these experiences ,it reassures my aspirations of becoming a marine ecologist. Having the opportunities in high school to get in the field work on the Gulf of Mexico motivated me to go to college. When I get to have the opportunity to go out on the ocean, I’ll know for sure that marine ecology is what I want to do.

​What advice do you have for other young women looking to go for their dreams?

Do not let anyone define who you are. You have the right to be whomever it is who wish to be. Your past cannot define you, your family does not define you and those around you do not have the right to define who it is you can be. Your potential is what you make it; so shoot for the stars.

​Any setbacks? How did you get around them? 

Life will always get in the way but you need to go with the flow and not let stress drag you down. Always put your best forth and then do just a little bit more– and let life take over the rest.

What’s next for you? What is your next goal?

After my undergraduate, I plan to pursue a Master’s and hope to gain experience with internships and study abroad programs.