As a marine conservationist living in Maui, Hawaii, Rebecca Creighton ‘15, is living the dream. With a career she loves and a passion for protecting and restoring the health of our oceans in one of the most beautiful places in the world, she has found a sense of belonging through a series of purposeful career choices that have paid big dividends.
“Every step in my career path has been interconnected,” said Creighton, noting all the people that have helped her along the way. “Each experience really helped prepare me for where I am at now in my career, living in Maui."
In her current role as Vessel Staff Manager for the Pacific Whale Foundation, Creighton educates people about whales and biodiversity while also having plenty of fun. In charge of eco-adventure whale watching tours, she manages crew members, marine naturalists, and provides guests an amazing experience they are sure to never forget.
Over the course of her career, Creighton traveled extensively to ensure she gained the necessary experience to advance in her field. Her journey progressed from acquiring life skills in the Maryland 4-H program to studying at University of Maryland in Agricultural Science & Technology and Animal Science to a formative post-graduation experience with the Peace Corps in Madagascar.
“My Peace Corps experience absolutely changed my life,” said Creighton. “It opened my eyes to the world of community and culture. It made me feel more connected to the land, nature, and people and made me even more appreciative of my surroundings. When I came back to the States, I lived much more intentionally and found more genuine ways to connect with people.”
Her passion for public education and marine conservation is an upshot of several thrilling pursuits including working in animal husbandry at Central Coast Aquarium in California, reef restoration at Coral Restoration Foundation in Florida, and as a professional divemaster in Honduras and the Virgin Islands. She estimates she has completed over 600 dives and spent the equivalent of one month underwater.
Now in Maui, Creighton has fully embraced Hawaiian culture even amidst challenging times like the recent wildfires that ripped through parts of the island.
“It‘s been incredible to see our community come together and merge efforts following the wildfires, and now that the whales are returning for the season, you can sense this rejuvenated energy, and that‘s really beautiful,” said Creighton. “Living in Maui is wonderful, it’s one of the most peaceful places I‘ve ever lived. The people are friendly and the aloha spirit is real, it‘s a very supportive community.”
by Andrew Muir