Before I came to the student conference, I thought...
 I would be presented with ideas and possibilities that the coordinators chose and would learn a little about studying and saving the world. Also that unless I became a great scientist, I wouldn't be able to do much.
 And now I think...
 I did learn about studying and saving the world, but I was able to find out about things that related to what I am already interested in. I know that I don't have to be a diver or a great scientist to help save the world.

Before I came to the student conference, I thought...
 The future of the earth was rather hopeless.
 And now I think...
 I can make a difference and it's my responsibility to do so.

Before I came to the student conference, I thought...
 That I knew relatively little about marine science.
 And now I think...
 That what has always mattered to me and what I have always valued are the same principles as found in marine science.

Before I came to the student conference, I thought...
 Fish were fish and they were all the same.
 And now I think...
 Fish are not the same but as individual as people.

Before I came to the student conference, I thought...
 The fish ladders were fully effective..
 And now I think...
 They need a lot of work.

Before I came to the student conference, I thought...
 That this would be a same old boring learning conference.
 And now I think...
 It was great! Do it next year. Try to make it bigger!

Before I came to the student conference, I thought...
 About the future of our environment and how people can influence others to make correct choices.
 And now I think...
 I will be the one to communicate with youth and inform them of facts and options.

Before I came to the student conference, I thought...
 That the ocean was only full of a couple of things.
 And now I think...
 Oh my gosh, there are so many things, nobody can even imagine.

Before I came to the student conference, I thought...
 That not many people (kids) thought so deeply about the ocean.
 And now I think...
 That they do!

Before I came to the student conference, I thought...
 That I want to make a difference but can I?
 And now I think...
 I can and I will make a difference.

Before I came to the student conference, I thought...
 That marine science was not that wide of a field in terms of the real world.
 And now I think...
 That there are many occupations in which knowledge of marine science is required or useful.

Before I came to the student conference, I thought...
 That I would never pursue marine biology.
 And now I think...
 it is definitely an area of interest and it has so many developing fields.

The Seattle Aquarium
Student Ocean Conference
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Student Comments

What is the most important decision that YOU can make to influence the marine environment?
A slight majority of the respondents named specific actions that they could do to help the environment, such as not throwing trash into the ocean, recycling, not pollution etc. Many students said they planned on sharing what they learned from the conference. Many students describe changes in their attitudes about the ocean.

"""Decide that I DO want to make a difference and then try to make a difference."

"""Dedicate time and energy to improving awareness and thought about the ocean."

Some said they wanted to go into the field of marine science.

"""Going into the field when I am older and volunteering now."

Name an action that you will take to improve the health of the oceans?
Learning more, polluting and littering less, using less, educating others, not eating fish and volunteering were all mentioned numerous times.

"""Educate myself so I understand the impact that my actions have on the environment."

"""Not eat fish."

"""Tell people about what I learned."

If you were quoted in National Geographic magazine, what would you say about the oceans?
"""They're beautiful, but if people don't stop looking at the ocean as an endless septic tank, it won't be beautiful."

"""Oceans are the coolest eco-system I've ever experienced"

"""Keep the ocean clean, we'll need it."

"""Take care of the oceans like you want to be treated."

"""Oceans are the key factor in our health."

"""The oceans are an over exploited resource, much like child labor and we need, in time, to protect the resources."

"""This is sooo important, to see beauty and appreciate its many forms and even more, help preserve it!"

"""The oceans are special. They are more than just a percentage of our world. They are our future-we get food, and even water from it. By polluting the fish, we pollute our food- we end up poisoning ourselves."

"""Oceans are a vital part of our life on planet earth."

"""The solution is in the hands of us "the youth". Young people are smarter than credited. Elementary levels should be targeted."

"""It's a big dark mysterious world, the ocean, and we've only just begun to discover its jewels."

"""The oceans make up one of the most awesome and spectacular aspects of our planet. To allow it to dwindle, to take it for granted, to stand idly by is like watching someone while he tears down your house. People should be more aware of their effects on the environment around them."

Other:
"""I have seen Dr. Earle speak before and am always in awe of the respect and awe she commands without ever raising her voice."

"""Thanks, this was fun!"

"""I totally appreciate the opportunity, sponsorship and effort that was used to put this event together. Thank you."

"""This was a great experience for me and I would do it again in a heartbeat."

"""This was great!"

"""Thanks"

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