Are you a creative middle or high school student that loves the ocean as much as Cindy does? Do you want to make art that makes a difference? Submit to the 2016 Ocean Awareness Student Contest by June 13. You may win up to $1,500 for you and your school!
Meet a Wavemaker: Cindy Tsou
May 29, 2016Here at Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs, our mission is to inspire the next generation of ocean caretakers. In our “Meet a Caretaker” series, we feature inspirational young artists, activists, writers, filmmakers, poets, conservationists, and anyone working to clean and protect our oceans.
Give us a picture of who you are. Where are you from, and what do you love?
Hello! I am Cindy Tsou, and I’m from the island of Oahu, Hawaii. In my free time, I love to draw and express my creativity, as well as hiking, swimming, and traveling the world!
What is your connection to the ocean?
Living in Hawaii, the ocean holds a special connection with who I am today. I love to spend time out on the sparkling seas and beaches. The ocean taught me to appreciate everything that you have and that life is full of surprises.
Do you have a favorite ocean species?
My favorite ocean species are sea lions! They have an adorable personality; they are energetic, quick, and graceful.
What were some successes and challenges you faced in putting your project together?
A challenge that I faced while creating my drawing is how I should convey my emotion on the paper to the audience. Whenever I draw, I always try to express that emotion; whether it be sadness, anger, happiness… etc. and show it through my art.
“One Plastic Bag,” Cindy Tsou, 2015 Middle School Honorable Mention
How has participating in the project changed the way you think about plastic pollution?
Participating in the project changed the way that I view the values of the ocean and opened my eyes to the damage that we humans have done to our precious seas. It inspired me to make a change by advocating to other people and making sure that everyone is aware of plastic pollution.
Have you made any changes in your everyday life?
Walking along the beach, I always remember to pick up trash that I see because even the smallest piece of trash, whether it be a small plastic bottle or bag, can harm marine life and pollute the ocean.
Have you been involved in other environmental or conservation projects since participating in the contest?
Since participating in the contest, I have been involved with advocating to other students on this important issue by giving speeches on ocean pollution in my community as well as bringing awareness on how everyone can do little things to make a big change.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I see myself doing something that I enjoy, and that even after ten years, the ocean would be a place close to my heart. In ten years, I still see myself swimming in the salty waters and spending my time on sandy beaches.
What advice would you give to other young people who want to protect the ocean?
My advice to other young people is to start by picking up trash near the beaches or participating in beach cleanups. Teach other people about ocean pollution and tell them how they can help. If everyone does little things every day, all of us together can bring a big change.