My Watermark is the Pacific Ocean near Santa Barbara and the Galápagos Islands. I am from California and have been surfing and playing in the ocean since I was a baby. I have not lived near the ocean for a long time but when I visit, I feel a sense of relief and connectivity to the natural world. When I travelled to the Galápagos Islands last summer, I experienced another core memory in the Pacific Ocean that reminded me of the awe I feel when in its waters; for both its beauty and its power. While I was snorkelling, I suddenly had a sense of terror when I realized something was swimming directly at me, and fast. But before it collided with me, it twirled away, and I realized it was only a sea lion trying to play. The sea lion proceeded to swim with me for about half an hour, teasing me by swimming directly towards me then swirling down into the depths. Soon I followed suit, and together we twirled and connected in a way I have never done with a wild animal. I felt entirely a part of the natural system and realized that it was not afraid of me because the animals in the Galápagos are protected and have never been harmed by humans. This experience made me vow to continue trying to protect our water and its creatures. I realized the importance of connectivity for protection—how this sense of connection and wonder about the natural world is a driving force behind wanting to help preserve it.