It Only Takes One Small Step to Make a Big Change

It Only Takes One Small Step to Make a Big Change

a camera angle partially submerged in water showing five people in shallow water and one person holding a juvenile shark

Since filming for my project in Turks and Caicos in 2022, I’ve been juggling finishing my mini-doc and working on other conservation-oriented projects. Along the way, I have grown in so many ways and honed a multitude of new skill sets. Creating another short film, becoming an underwater cinematographer, and calling myself a Director are among many. Recently, I’ve been proud to announce that I’m now an official National Geographic Storytelling Explorer, which is a goal I’ve had since the start of my career. Having the opportunity to work with Sharks4Kids and Conservation Nation to create a film about a project I’m passionate about while leaving room for learning along the way has truly been the springboard I needed for my career. 

I am so proud to finally release my mini-doc, Project Lemon Aid, on World Water Day 2024. When planning for the release, we felt this project was perfect for World Water Day; a day dedicated to drawing our attention towards global water systems and inspiring creative solutions. This film walks us through the backbone of Sharks4Kids’ new mission in 8 short minutes. Built on the phrase “it only takes one small step to make a big change,” the film follows Sharks4Kids as they begin Project Lemon Aid and the impacts they made in local communities. From start to finish, this project fosters a local-led initiative that can grow in perpetuity, creating a sustainable scientific model.

Now that the film is complete, I plan to submit it to several film festivals throughout this year to amplify Sharks4Kids’ message about shark conservation. I want to give a huge thank you to Conservation Nation for supporting me in this project from start to finish, and for providing me with opportunities to be a resource to others in the process. I truly learned for myself what it meant to take small steps in making a big change. I also want to thank Sharks4Kids, and specifically Duncan Brake and Jillian Morris, for welcoming me into their circles to document their project. Project Lemon Aid has already led to so much, and I can’t wait to see what impact the release of the film will have for years to come. 

As always, you can keep up with my latest endeavors on my website, and I’m looking forward to my next big adventure with Conservation Nation and beyond!

Playlist of Instagram shorts created to complement the mini documentary.

To learn more about Project Lemon Aid and Sharks4Kids, check out their website

T’Noya Thompson is a Conservation Nation Established Conservationist and our Conservationist-in-Residence.
More about Nova and this project

Nova West is one of Conservation Nation’s 2021 emerging conservationist grant winners. Nova is an artist, scuba diver, filmmaker, photographer, and environmental educator from