Uvalde.

Panoramic Ocean was created to speak and raise money for oceanic conservation and is based in the heart of Texas. We will not ignore the senseless violence that has taken place in Uvalde only an hour away from where our founder's family lives. Three days after children were slain in their classroom, our founders' little sisters walked the stage at graduation. As proud as she was of them graduating, the timing couldn't be more cruel. Her  little sisters are getting to grow up, while the victims of Uvalde will stay forever young. Since May 24, we have personally struggled with "promoting" Panoramic Ocean's mission statements. Yes, we need to protect the ocean, but we also need to protect each other. 

Each of the victims has a unique life story and one story in particular profoundly hurt our hearts. Maite Yuleana Rodriguez is a 10-year-old fallen victim of the Uvalde shooting. Yet, at 10 years old, she was already paving the path toward her future. At 10 years old, she had already decided to pursue a career in Marine Biology. As an elementary schooler, Maite contacted Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi to learn all she could about the school's marine biology program. She lived her life as a dreamer and a go-getter. 

Maite Yuleana Rodriguez. 

Her life passion reminded our founder of her own. She wanted to attend the same school she attended as a freshman Texas A&M University of Corpus Christi. Unlike our founder, Maite didn't get the opportunity to study in the Bell Library or go down to the beach between classes. She didn't have a chance to spend hours on the phone with her family, debating which different marine degree was the best fit for her or how she might save our oceans. Maite lost all her possibilities in life because a man killed her and her friends in cold blood.

How do we move forward? 

To our readers in America, please vote for change. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Maite's Mom questioned, "How can an 18-year-old buy an AR, but he cannot buy beer?" Voting in local, state, and federal elections guarantees that your representatives will hear your voice. If you are not registered to vote but would like to be, you can register at this link 'Register to Vote Online'. 

In the wake of the tragedy, Texas A&M Corpus Christi created the Maite Yuleana Rodriguez Scholarship. The University will gift the scholarship to a Uvalde student pursuing a marine biology degree. The University's President stated to the Caller-Times, "Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi wanted to honor the memory of Maite Rodriguez after learning of her desire to become an Islander. Therefore, the University created a scholarship in her name to ensure she will forever be a part of the Islander family."

The sun setting on the Texas A&M Corpus Christi University campus.

For the entirety of June, Panoramic Ocean will be donating 100% of our net profits to the Maite Yuleana Rodriguez Scholarship at Texas A&M Corpus Christi. Our founder being an Islander, a fellow nature lover, and a Texan, this is the least we could do for Maite's legacy. You can donate directly to the scholarship fund at Make a Gift - Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Please select the 'Gift Destination' from the link as 'The Maite Yulena Rodriguez Memorial Quasi Endowed Scholarship in Marine Biology. 

Together we will make a difference. #bepurposeful