In March of 2023, I had the opportunity to participate in a wildlife conservation project on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. Along with the other students in my group, I aided expert ecologists and sea turtle conservationists in conducting a turtle census along the coast. We spent nights on the beach collecting and examining eggs from leatherback turtles. Along with ensuring the safety and success of the hatchlings, we collected and recorded data to improve our understanding of and ability to conserve this keystone reptile. This experience strengthened my passion for field research and motivated me to continue pursuing marine biology in college and beyond.