A Student of the Sea: Olivia VanDamme

Olivia VanDamme’s hope is that one day, in her older years, she’ll be at the beach, covered in seaweed and still contributing to community science. Olivia has always felt comforted, alive, and happy in the ocean. And as an educator, poet, singer, environmentalist, surfer, and more – Olivia celebrates that in everything she does.On this episode, Olivia shares an original poem, “Tu Perteneces! Nadar Mija” which helps paint the picture of the role the ocean plays in her life – all while bursting with song and joy. We learn how Olivia straddles worlds by virtue of being herself, why she loves geography, how being an educator has informed her environmental life, and how we can all get involved in collecting data that helps shape the future of the lands and waters we recreate in.This a series of interviews with some incredible humans who are featured in Women and Water - a new book from the team behind She Explores. We’re taking the conversation off the page and into their relationship with water today. You’ll hear from swimmers, surfers, paddlers, fishers, and more. Enjoy listening? Rate & Review She ExploresFeatured in this episode: Olivia VanDammeShe Explores is Hosted & Produced by Gale StraubJoin the She Explores Podcast community on FacebookVisit She-Explores.com & Follow Us on InstagramResourcesOlivia VanDammeInstagram: @olivialomasi & @livs.wavOur new book, Women and WaterMentioned in conversation:Seawitches ZineCalifornia Academy of SciencesPGMOneDina Gilio-WhitakerKrista ComerREU Summer Internship at Smithsonian Get involved with community science through the resources Olivia mentioned:iNaturalistCity Nature ChallengeSnapshot Cal CoastRate this podcastRavel MediaMusic is licensed via podcastmusic.com.