"-There's really no reason to be scared of sharks. Like if you just take them and rotate them-" I said, making all sorts of movements with my arms. "They go into a trance-like state- blah blah. You've told me this a million times now, Nick." Mac said, not looking up from his phone. "I have?" I asked, not remembering. "Yes." You tell me these useless shark facts almost every day." He laughed.

I sunk down in my chair, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Well, I just think it's interesting," I said quietly. "I know you do, but I don't really care." He looked up from me. "Right, sorry-" I grabbed my phone, feeling bad about the comment.

He put his phone down, turning to look at me. "Sorry, that sounded mean.." He sighed, apologizing. I shook my head, continuing to stare at my phone. "It's fine..." He let the subject go and went back to his own phone.

This was unfortunately part of my daily routine. I admit, I spoke about sharks way too much and I can see why it could get annoying. But I couldn't help it. Ever since my dad's boat was attacked it was the only thing I could think about. And I couldn't just keep the excitement inside me.

Eventually, someone told me instead of telling everyone around me, to spill it all on video. You know, to get it out of my system. So I did, I did it almost daily. I'd go on another binge, of reading articles and watching documentaries, and when it was over I'd try my best to keep it in, until opening my phone and just blurting it all out.

Eventually, I made it to college. Studying to become a Marine Biologist. My videos had changed from just spouting random facts, to informative videos. I also started putting them online. I did all sorts of fun research, posting my thoughts online. And I was starting to get pretty popular.

I felt like I was already living my dream, And all I was doing was reading about others' research. I did go out fishing with my dad a few times. But I felt like doing the things I've read online, like tracking the sharks. could do more damage than good without proper education.

So instead I just focused on school. Occasionally post videos on my channel. I thought this was how it was going to end. But then I got an email. It was from an actual scientist, doing exactly what I wanted to do. And he wanted me to come with him. He had seen my videos.

"Why do you still have doubts? this is literally what you were born to do." Mac said, trying to convince me to answer the email. I wasn't sure if I wanted to go. Deep down I was scared the work wasn't going to be like how I imagined.

"Yeah but- What if I'm not good enough..." I said, staring at the email. "What are you even talking about-" Marc said frustrated. "You have been annoying me all our lives with your facts, and knowledge about sharks. Hell, for the last five years, you have been annoying thousands of people.." He laughed. "I think you're more than ready for the real thing.." He encouraged me.

I took a deep breath. "Yeah, you're right-" I sighed. "I'll do it." I looked up at him excitedly. "Yeah, good choice." He sat down next to me, nudging me to the side. "You should probably reply quickly then." He stared down at my laptop.

I turned to the screen, opening the reply menu before sending a response email. "I'm so excited for you." Marc laughed, dropping down on my bed. "Well, yeah. I won't be able to annoy you anymore if I'm on a ship in the middle of the ocean." I said back sarcastically. "Well, that too-" He laughed. "But I know how much you wanted this." He looked up at me.

I felt myself blush as I looked down at him. "Thanks- also for helping me decide," I said. looking down at him. He just smiled up at me. I started back at the email. I couldn't wait for the reply back.

Luckily I didn't have to wait long for that. The next day I got a reply, he wanted to set up an email. It was an online email. I was nervous about it, but in the end, it wasn't that bad. He told me where I had to go, and when I needed to be there. Before sending me a document with more information.

When the interview was over I stared at my laptop for almost ten minutes. I couldn't believe this was really happening. But it was.

I started out as just a shark-obsessed Highschool student. But now, almost 6 years later, I was on a ship in the middle of the ocean, with a whole group of people who felt the same way, and I had just encountered my first shark, not counting the bull shark, that is. I don't think it could get better than this....