by Victoria Niizawa
Surfing has always been more than just a hobby for me.
Growing up in Costa Mesa, I spent a lot of time at the beach, and my love for the ocean developed at an early age. As I got older and began surfing, I formed an even deeper connection with the water. Spending countless hours in the ocean gave me a new appreciation for its beauty, but it also exposed me to the challenges it faces, from pollution to climate change.
As I paddle out, it’s not uncommon to see plastic bottles, food wrappers, or other trash floating on the surface. Whenever I can, I tuck a little into my wetsuit and bring it back to the shore to dispose of it properly.
While it’s only a small act, it serves as a constant reminder that the ocean needs people who are willing to care for it. Seeing pollution in a place that has given me so much has made environmental stewardship feel personal rather than abstract.
Those experiences have shaped not only my passion for protecting the environment but also the direction I want to take my career. They inspired me to pursue opportunities like my Communications Internship with OC Coastkeeper, where I can contribute to meaningful conservation efforts.
I hope to build a career dedicated to protecting the oceans and natural species that have inspired me for as long as I can remember. As I continue my environmental stewardship journey, I hope to combine my passion for coastal conservation with my interest in public policy and communications.
My goal is to advocate for policies that protect our oceans while helping communities understand the importance of preserving these ecosystems. I want to continue being part of a project that not only restores the environment but also inspires others to become stewards of the places they love.
Protecting the ocean has become more than a personal passion; it has become the purpose that guides my future!
