Have you ever met someone who stirs something in you? You’re enamored with their personality, their passion, their dedication, their will. Unknown to them, they become someone you admire, respect and want to learn more about and maybe even be more like them?
That happened to me with Dr. Eugenie Clark, "The Shark Lady". I had met her a few times through a dear friend and always admired her. As I got to know her better through our Caldwell Trust Company-sponsored events over the last several years such as Oceanic Evening, Party on the Pass, Legacy Society, Special Lecture Series and more, I realized what an incredible person she truly was. Knowing her made me regret not being more interested in science when I was a student. I was in absolute awe of her when I read about her, learned her history and realized the significant impact she had upon science and upon other women who were or would become scientists. Clark was the founding director of the former Cape Haze Marine Laboratory, now known as the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium here in Sarasota. As a proud member of this esteemed research facility for several years, I became ever more aware of Clark’s commitment for over 50 years to studying the behavior of fish and her favorite sea creatures, sharks.
In that beautiful duration of time, while she busily performed her pioneering work, Genie unwittingly inspired young girls and women, helping them to understand that science isn’t just geeky: it is utterly cool as well. This “Shark Lady” traveled the world for research and for the love of science. She even continued to dive right up until the age of 91. Yes, you read that right. No excuses. In fact, she jumped off sterns of boats to join others who were already in the water after orginially decling their invitation to dive again thinking she was just too tired.
Sweet Genie Clark…an inspiration, a dedicated scientist, a lover of the water, fish-- (especially sharks), Mote Marine and everyone associated with it. She lived a wonderful life doing what she loved and getting people all over the world passionate about science and making a difference. I love her for who she was and the legacy that will live on and on through Mote and others! Although she never knew it, Genie was my quiet mentor. RIP.
Perhaps you, too, are someone’s mentor and don’t even know it.
