Mary Adebote: Moving beyond expectations to carve my path in fisheries science
Mary Adebote holds a summer flounder, the subject of her current research at Virginia Tech. Photo courtesy of Mary Adebote.
This piece was written in the fall of 2024 by GRAD 5144 (Communicating Science) student Mary Adebote as part of an assignment to write a personal narrative about her research.
My father wanted me to become a civil engineer, but today, I’m proud to have proven him wrong by forging my own path in Fisheries Science — a field I’ve come to love. Like many parents, mine had dreams of seeing me in a prestigious profession, as a doctor, lawyer, or engineer. As the first child in a family of six, I felt the weight of these expectations. My father, in particular, envisioned me studying civil engineering, considering it a stable and respected career. Every holiday, when I came home from university, my parents reminded me of my decision to study fisheries science — a field few could fully understand or appreciate.
My interest in aquatic life, particularly fish, sparked during my first year as an undergraduate. At first, I questioned the need to study fish, intending to switch courses after my university in Nigeria assigned it to me. But the more I learned, the more intrigued I became. I started seeing the complexity and beauty of aquatic ecosystems and realizing the importance of understanding and conserving them. Rather than change paths, I became determined to excel. I told myself, "I will be the best in this field and be recognized for it." My motivation stemmed from within, guided by the belief, as the Bible says, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might."
That drive fueled my journey. I graduated among the top five in my department, which was a major milestone. But the journey didn’t stop there. Shortly after completing the compulsory national service in Nigeria, I was awarded a prestigious World Bank Scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in Ghana. That opportunity was transformative, and I graduated with distinction. My passion for fisheries and conservation deepened, and I knew I wanted to continue pushing the boundaries of what I could achieve.
Today, I am in my second year of a Ph.D. program in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech, on a fully funded program in the United States. This journey, from my undergraduate days to my current doctoral research, has been filled with growth, challenges, and accomplishments I never imagined possible. My work now centers on finding sustainable solutions for fisheries management and aquatic conservation — an area that feels not only intellectually fulfilling but also deeply important for the future of our planet.
I am a goal-getter. Whatever I set my mind to, I work relentlessly to achieve. Along the way, I’ve learned that challenges are not roadblocks but opportunities to grow stronger and more focused. I make it a point to encourage others facing difficulties in chasing their dreams because I truly believe that if you can dream it, you can achieve it. Hard work, persistence, and faith have been my guiding principles.
Today, my father is not only proud of me but also has full faith in my abilities — he believes that I will go on to do even greater things. Our shared journey from skepticism to belief is a reminder that passion, commitment, and courage can reshape expectations and open doors to unexpected success.