To Ms. Margo Peyton, February 3, 2021: First let me say, thank you so much for granting me this opportunity. This Ocean Wishes donation will allow me to advance into a new career working in coastal conservation. I look forward to learning how to dive so that I can not only apply my list of skills but also engage in opportunities with my mentors.
As you know Covid has affected all of us. Many of us lost jobs, hours, or our sanity. I personally have lost many hours at my job from being home with my two children. Now that they have returned to school, I am back at focusing on moving forward, continuing with my own schoolwork, and advancing my knowledge of coastal management practices.
Recently I met with Erica Moulton who is the Director of the STEM Center for St. Petersburg College and runs the Living Shoreline Project. My interest is in living shorelines for coastal erosion management and I plan to volunteer my time to learn all I can about the workings of those ecosystems. When I told her of the award, I am to receive from you, she told me she was a member of The Women’s Diver Hall of Fame and part of the group of women who dives the Arctic Circle every year. What a small world! Not only will I learn so much about the living shorelines from Erica, but she can also give great advice on diving I’m sure!
My life is crazy right now! I never thought even two years ago that I would be back at college, on a mission with opportunities like this or the mentors I have in my life supporting me along my journey. This makes my heart so happy that someone sees the value in my hard work. I guess being a mom we kind of get used to the deeds but not the gratitude, but I am deeply grateful for this gift. Thank you again, Margo
Sincerely and Thank you, Talya Redinger
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