Having had the opportunity to meet Deepsea Dawn herself, I must say that she is a special person. She is a very humble individual, with energy that is gravitating, and she has a wonderful sense of humor. Having the chance to get in contact with her has offered great insight into her life. From my own observations, Dr. Wright is an adventurous, fun loving, free spirited woman looking to make a difference in the world.
Dawn Wright was born in Maryland, but raised in Maui, Hawaii where her love and interest in oceanography blossomed, (Deepsea Dawn, Oregon State, 2008). As a child, Dr. Wright found herself immersed in many factious sea adventures, imaging herself as a pirate lost at sea. These sea adventures fostered her love and curiosity for the open water. Many factors contribute to Dr. Wright’s success as both a geologist and oceanographer; books such as Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, Mutiny and Bounty, Treasure Island were very influential in her childhood. Wright also gives credit to television stating in her interview with Women Oceanographers.org, “TV was also a big influence. You see bumper stickers all the time telling you to kill your television, and I see their point. But I’m really thankful for ‘The Wonderful World of Disney,’ National Geographic specials, and Jacques Cousteau. That had a tremendous impact on me,” (Women Oceanographers.org, Interests as a child section, para. 2). Lastly, Dawn gives credit to her mother’s “Mantra,” which is the sky is the limit and you can be anything that you want to be if you set your mind to it, (Oregon State University, 2007, Mother’s Mantra section, para. 1).
Growing up, Dr. Wright found herself involved in many extra curricular activities. She was quite the athlete, playing basketball and running both track and cross-country for much of her childhood. She even shared with me that she still holds the one hundred yard dash record for her seventh grade class in Maui County with a time of 11.7 second. As a runner myself, I must say that 11.7 is a very impressive time. The Hawaiian Island also offered Dawn many different outdoors entertainments such as boogie boarding, surfing, and hiking. She is avid fan of outdoor activities, (Wright, October 31, 2008).
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