Our tiny boat was ploughing through (费力穿过) the waves across the Indian Ocean and I was absolutely freezing.The further we got from the shelter of the land, the more I thought how foolish I'd been to come along on this trip.

The pilot of the boat looked almost 60 but, perhaps because of a lifetime on the open sea in the hot sun, was very fit and strong.I was wondering how he managed to find his way.To me, it seemed difficult enough to navigate a boat without any electronic equipment even on a sunny day.

So at least we were safe.But this was not what we had come along for.A look at the other divers' faces suggested that now they were also doubtful that we'd ever get the chance to see a whale shark — these weather conditions were totally unsuitable for diving! None of us spoke.It seemed too much of an effort.Then suddenly the boatman stopped the engine.He said a few words in his own language to the diving instructor, who immediately jumped up from his seat and told us to get ready to dive.

When I jumped into the grey sea, I was sure I wouldn't see anything.But then ...there it was! An enormous whale shark, slowly swimming through the water.I couldn't believe my eyes — my first whale shark! I hardly dared breathe — I was afraid my streams of bubbles (气泡)  might scare the huge creature away.And the other divers were equally awed.Slowly we approached this huge animal.It was swimming quite slowly and we were able to swim with it, looking at the beautiful markings on its back.I was still holding my breath, telling myself that this huge fish was harmless! Then I reached out and touched it, stroking  (轻抚) its thick skin.It was amazing how this giant suddenly gained speed — we watched it as it swam away from us, and a few moments later it was gone.

I like watching butterflies. Sometimes I think I’m the only girl who notices these quiet but beautiful things. But if it hadn’t been for a crowded restaurant, I wouldn’t have ever noticed Valeri.

Valeri was a new student. She walked to class with her books against her chest and her head down. She talked only when the teacher asked her a question. After a month at our school, she hadn’t made any friend.

One day at lunch, most tables being full, I had nowhere to sit. Valeri sat alone, book in hand. I walked over to her, “Is that a good book?” Valeri gave a small nod and went back to reading. “What’s it about?” I asked. After seconds of silence, she looked at me, her eyes shining, “Well, it’s about a dragon! This boy, Eragon, finds this dragon egg when he goes playing one day. He thinks it’s a rock! The egg hatches (孵化) and Eragon hides the dragon from his cousin and uncle until it gets too big.”

Two weeks later, I was sitting in the auditorium (礼堂) enjoying the talent show. Then a shy girl walked on stage. I recognized her immediately. Valeri held a violin in one hand and a bow in the other. She started to play. The notes formed a soft, sweet tune (曲调). The auditorium fell completely silent until we realized the music was finished. I smiled to myself. Valeri wasn’t just “a quiet girl”. She knew about wonderful books and could play the violin like nothing I’d ever heard. Like a butterfly, she was beautiful and amazing when you looked closely.

Fifteen years ago when I embarked on my scientific journey, I was an undocumented immigrant from Peru who never dreamed of becoming a scientist. My mom worked in a glass-making factory and my father in a fast-food restaurant. Having had no scientific role models growing up, I didn’t think that care er was a path for me. Besides, I could not afford college fees and did not qualify for financial aid as an undocumented immigrant. The probability of me becoming a scientist was very low. However, all that changed due to mentors (导师).

I had the privilege of having inspiring role models throughout my career. My first role model is and will always be my mother. As a mom working at a factory over 80 hours a week, she knew the value of education and taught me the importance of pursuing my dreams.

My interest in science began as a student at Union County College in Cranford, New Jersey, where I met biology professor Tracy Felton. She encouraged my budding interests to conduct an independent literature study on evolution. She also advocated for me when I revealed to her my immigration status. This small but important act made me think that maybe I could become a scientist

While my college options were limited as an undocumented immigrant back in 2010, the City University of New York welcomed me with open arms. At CUNY, I met professor Anne Simon, who changed my life by asking me one question: “Have you thought about doing research?” She taught me how to be a scientist through designing experiments, analyzing results and presenting at academic conferences. The mentorship I received from professor Sim on led to a Domino Effect that resulted in me doing summer research at Princeton, presenting at scientific conferences and learning how to apply for a Ph. D.

Today I am a neuroscientist. I would not have become a scientist if it weren’t for the role models who took the time to invest in me.