These programs are going to open your eyes to current political, cultural, and environmental issues that impact real ecosystems and real people…

SFS PROGRAMS: Marine Resource Studies | Turks & Caicos Islands | Summer 2 2018, Tropical Island Biodiversity Studies | Panama | Fall 2018

HOME SCHOOL WHILE AT SFS: Davidson College

CURRENT POSITION: Waterfront Assistant, SFS Turks & Caicos Islands  

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SFS MEMORY?

There are too many to choose from. I am incredibly lucky that I was able to spend a summer session studying field research techniques in the TCI and the Fall semester in Panama, hiking in rainforests and diving on coral reefs. Any day spent out in the field was a great memory. With that, my favorite memory is not necessarily a single moment. For me, nothing will ever beat waking up early with a cup of coffee in these incredible places I never thought I’d see – places half my friends and family probably could not point to on a map. That always added some excitement.  

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE YOU VISITED DURING YOUR PROGRAMS?

Boquete, Panama remains one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. We spent the mid-semester field trip in Panama crossing from the Atlantic to the Pacific and back and spent two days in Boquete, a city built into the mountains. We hiked through the cloud forests and visited coffee plantations. I’ve never had so much coffee in such little time. It’s definitely a place I want to see again.  

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A PROSPECTIVE STUDENT?

Having an open mind is key. You have to realize that you are going to meet people and learn things that may challenge your own perception of certain issues. These programs are going to open your eyes to current political, cultural and environmental issues that impact real ecosystems and real people, so it’s essential to never be dismissive of someone’s viewpoint without at least first hearing their side. Make an effort to understand and embrace the difference in ideas and perspectives. It will make your experience all the more interesting and enriching.  

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO APPLY FOR AN SFS JOB AFTER GRADUATION?

I changed my plan of study very quickly when I came back home. I was somewhat half-heartedly on a pre-med track in college with no idea what else I would do if medicine was not the answer. That changed drastically after my time with SFS. Finally gaining an understanding of the very real threats from ocean acidification to climate change was all the motivation I needed to change directions. My time with SFS definitely changed my goals and future plans for the better, so getting to come back to the TCI and hopefully help other students have a similar experience did not require much hesitation.  

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT THE SFS TURKS & CAICOS CENTER LIKE?

I am currently working as one of the Waterfront Assistants at the SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies on South Caicos. As someone who likes to maximize their time spent on the water, this is a dream come true. Waterfront Assistants are primarily responsible for working with the Marine Operations Coordinator (MOC) and Dive Safety Officer (DSO) to assist or lead any snorkels and SCUBA dives, whether they are for field research, PADI advanced certifications, or recreational. Our other responsibilities include captaining and maintaining all marine vessels, helping with any necessary repairs to the docks and around the center, providing dive briefings, and helping the professors and staff with any other preparation for classes and field research.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS COMING SEMESTER?

I think I am most excited to be a part of the work behind-the-scenes that allows the field exercises and extracurricular opportunities to happen. As a student, you may get some insight to the work the faculty and staff put forward to make everything happen, but coming back to work gives you a whole new appreciation. The professors and staff I have worked with and studied under have all had the same goal of ensuring every student has a memorable experience. Currently, one group of students is learning how to prep BRUV’s (Baited Remote Underwater Vehicles) and set them up with cameras on reefs and in the mangroves around South Caicos to observe marine megafauna (sharks, rays, fish). Meanwhile, another group works to locate potential octopus dens along South’s beaches, a few of which have already been seen in the swim zone right next to the Center. It’s easy to say there is never a dull moment here.  

RECOMMEND A GOOD BOOK OR MOVIE THAT HAS HAD AN INFLUENCE ON HOW YOU VIEW THE ENVIRONMENT.

There is a reason why “Where the Crawdads Sing” has been a New York Times Bestseller since 2018. Having grown up in Charleston, SC, reading this book only deepened my appreciation of the marsh and the peace you can find coexisting in nature – at least, maybe until someone finds Chase Andrews dead in the marsh. Beyond the suspense and drama that makes the book so enticing, you see the simple life that Kya (the main character) tries to lead on her own beyond the reaches of societal constraints, the happiness of a simple life surrounded by trees, birds and marsh grass, and it will make you wonder why we see these already beautiful places and feel the need to put a golf course there.  

August 2021