A few months ago, I planted an old sweet potato. I’d bought a couple with the intention of roasting them all, but I didn’t need that many. So I saved one. And then I kept saving it. And eventually, that little tuber sprouted—thin shoots, tender leaves—until it was undeniably alive. At that point, I couldn’t throw it away. I also couldn’t eat it. There was only one reasonable option left: stick it in a pot and see what happens. I had nothing to lose. It was either that or a sl

When I was in sixth grade my mom took me to see Disney’s The Little Mermaid in the movie theatre. Problematic issues aside, as a kid at that time, I loved it. I memorized the whole movie and yes, I was one of those kids where that movie influenced my wanting to become a marine biologist. During the next six years, from seventh grade through high-school, I spent my summers volunteering at my local aquarium. I learned all about Southern California marine life, but I also learne