Enie, Marine Ecologist PhD Candidate, NC

“I hope that she’s finding what she’s passionate about and going for it, and not being pushed down if she’s going the wrong way.”

“I want to make sure her wealth doesn’t hinder her at all in the experiences she has and understanding other people around her.”

Enie is a PhD Candidate studying Marine Ecology at NC State University. She is a native Floridian and loves pretending to be a mermaid with her little niece. She was interviewed by her future sister-in-law, Nicole.

Imagine your child (or one you care about deeply) is now in their 30s – out of school and starting into adult life.  What do you hope for them about their life?  What would make it a ‘good’ life?

I want her to be happy with what she’s doing and who’s surrounding her. I hope that she’s finding what she’s passionate about and going for it, and not being pushed down if she’s going the wrong way.

Do you think everyone agrees with you about what a good life is?

I think so, but I think other people might mention economic security. I want to make sure her wealth doesn’t hinder her at all in the experiences she has and understanding other people around her.

What role do you think schooling should play in achieving that ideal good life?

School is about getting the fundamentals, but more importantly the flexibility for particular topics she wants to be interested in. If she is slightly interested in one topic that school covers, maybe the flexibility would be having a science fair allowing her to engage more in that specific topic.