For far too long, humans have regarded the ocean as “other”, as “terra incognita”, as a void, obscuring the mas that covers 71% of Earth’s surface from ourselves and shirking the responsibilities of it’s abuse and pillaging off of ourselves as it is not ours to own and therefore not ours to care for. Terracentrism dominates our collective psyche through our language, commonly held beliefs, and areas of scientific study. Steve Mentz’s piece, “Deterritorializing Preface” offers an interesting new shift in our vocabulary, as a means of centering the ocean, which has previously been left wholly ignored, in our research, discussion, and understanding of the world. In this way, we can broaden our perspective that shapes our action in response to environmental crisis from just land occupied by humans to the vast ocean as well. As an environmental science major, I find this criticism of research’s common tongue to be very compelling. This piece not only directs my attention to the common use of terracentric words like “Field” in my natural vocabulary, but also has me question my own motivations and understandings in entering this *current* of study. I had come to understand from William Cronon’s piece “The Trouble With Wilderness” that my pursuit of a degree in environmental science with the intention to serve the environment stemmed from an anthropocentric savior complex; how could I say I want to to save the environment if I am part of the larger issue? Becoming aware of that was a first step to readjusting my view on environmental conservation from “saving” to “making reparations”—to approaching the environment with a deep sense of regret and respect, as to avoid asserting the same control over it that led to it’s deterioration and to give it the space and support to thrive and repair itself. Now, Mentz’s piece offers me seven new ocean-centric words to broaden my understanding even further, as I’ve come to understand that not only was I entering into my career with a damaging anthropocentric outlook, but a terracentric outlook as well. Thanks to these works, I can construct a new paradigm for my approach to environmental sciences that is predominantly structured around respect and understanding, rather than control and self-gratification.