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I've long considered my job as the Evolutionary Ecology Laboratory Manager here at BYU my first step to becoming an aquatic animal veterinarian.  It helped me get my awesome internship at the Aquarium of the Pacific where I learned a ton about aquatic animal medicine.

Today I put our new fish from Panama through a formalin dip and a salt bath to rid them of any nasty parasites that may have hitched a ride up here with them.  One of the fish, a large Brachyrhaphis terrabensis came out of the salt bath unconscious and not breathing so I freaked out a little.  I had expected to lose some of them through this process, but a large female meant that I would lose her potential offspring as well.

But then I remembered Dr. Adams words.  All I needed to do was stay with her and make sure water was flowing over her gills.  Gently I moved her back and forth with the net and after five minutes, you know what happened?  She was breathing!  I've never been so happy to see gills moving in my life.

It was comforting to know that I've taken something away from an internship that has already saved a life.  I'm on my way!

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We all have our own memories of that day.  I was on my way to school when I walked into the family room and saw the second plane crash into the World Trade Center.  Every class I had that day had the TV on.  That day we were reminded that there is evil in this world.



When Osama Bin Laden was killed I remember being a little upset at just how happy everyone was at the death of another.  I think it was the separation from the event that ten years unfortunately bring.  But now at the commemoration of this tragic day, I too am glad that man responsible is no longer here to orchestrate terror and suffering.

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But more importantly than being reminded of the evil in the world, 9/11 reminded us that there is good in this world too.  There are heroes and saviors among us.  Great men and women gave their lives that day for others.

I've had some experiences in the last few weeks that have taught me a great deal about heroes.  Last week I watched my brother graduate as a Marine.  Seeing their courage and valor is awe-inspiring.  Today in Elder's Quorum, one of the guys I home teach had a seizure. The guys around him immediately sprung into action.  They cared for him, comforted him, and helped him as he came back from the seizure's delirium.  That is what a hero is - someone who acts without hesitation to save another in their moment of need.

That's what I want to be like.  I want to be prepared and capable of helping others at all times.  But more importantly I want to have the mindset to be looking continuously for that kind of service.  There is a group called 9/11 Day that is urging us to commit to making this world a better place as a tribute to those who lost their lives ten years ago.  Whether it's serving in the military, or something as simple as helping someone in need, let's make a commitment that we will do something to make this world a better place.  I know I will.

My Brother Is Cooler Than Yours.  Deal With It.

I just got back from California on what will surely be the most unique of all the family vacations we will ever take.  We went to pick up my younger brother Matthew from Bootcamp Graduation for the United States Marine Corps!


On Thursday we went to Family Day, watched him run, and finally after what seemed like ages, we got to spend some time with him.  He took us around MCRD (Marine Corps Recruit Depot).  As we went through the Museum with him I was incredibly impressed with how much he had retained.  I knew he had always been an amazing guy, but DANG this kid rocks.  It's impressive to see the way he carries himself and his truly awesome self-less-ness.  Plus this kid looked really really ridiculously good-looking.  Three months of training had done some incredible things to him physically, mentally, and spiritually.


The ceremony was amazing.  There is nothing like watching these guys march.  It was epic! We had an amazing time watching the ceremony and it was fun to be there with cousins, uncles and aunts, and grandparents.  But the best part?  Watching them break formation so Matt could come back and spend the next two weeks with us.  There were definitely some smiling faces going on!



He told us all about his training - about the Crucible and the week of hell that was - including some trips to the gas chamber, running up mountains with huge gear packs on, and all sorts of other unpleasantnesses combined.  The hardest workout he suffered through was the 300 workout which consisted of three sets of max rep pull ups followed by three sets of max rep push ups followed by a run around the base, repeated 300 times.  Yes you read that right.  Three-HUNDRED-times.


You can't help but be impressed by them.  If there is anyone I want defending this country it is these guys.  I don't care what you're belief is about the war on terror, or how you think defense should be organized.  One good look at the heart of this Corps where "uncommon valor is a common virtue" and you will realize that these are the men who will get the job done.  They are the ones who will be found at the front changing the world.  President Ronald Reagan said, "Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world.  But, the Marines don't have that problem."

And my brother is one of them.   He is destined for great things.  And I couldn't be more proud.  If there's anyone who has truly earned the title Marine, it's him.