A Life Under the Sea

After graduating from Modesto High School in 1948, I attended MJC as my next step in completing four years of college. That decision was the most important of my life. Pursuant to my interest in natural history I signed up for a class in zoology taught by Ted Woods. Ted was a remarkable man who became one of the most inspirational figures in my life. A Department of Fish and Game employee, in the spring of 1950, contacted Ted for his recommendation for someone to fill a temporary job with the Department. Ted replied that he had just the person and gave him my name and contact information. Thus began my long and fulfilling career as a marine biologist with the California Department of Fish and Game. I retired in 1988 as a senior marine biologist and continued with a new career as an underwater photographer of Pacific Coast marine life with over 50 marine research papers and books to my credit. Thank you, MJC, for sending me on a rewarding path in life.

- Dan Gotshall, Class of 1950