I'm going to start off my story as a young girl. When I was in elementary school, I had this fascination for the ocean. I had coloring books, figurines and plush animals. I'd go to aquariums and stare at the exhibits for hours (which I still do). For as long as I could remember, I wanted to be a marine biologist. Never once did I change my mind. Sadly, I've never been out of the country, and quite frankly I've never been anywhere remotely tropical. Living in La Jolla has given me a wonderful experience with wonderful marine life and healthy beaches, but sadly it's a tourist area because of how beautiful it is.

Despite how difficult it has been to be a biology major, I've pushed myself to go through the process of applying to study abroad because I wanted to see the ocean for its true beauty: untouched by tourists, where my classroom would be right below me. I've taken classes where I learn about species and processes that occur in the ocean but never once have I been able to physically understand it. Never have I seen algae up close or submerged myself in a coral reef. Never once have I been able to swim along sting rays and sea turtles. I've worked at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in a Coral Reef Laboratory where I've worked with algal samples hands on. That's when I knew I needed an experience that would open my eyes. I wanted to understand the ocean, not through a textbook or numerous exams, but through exploration.

I'm so proud to say that for a month (July 11th - August 10th) I will be traveling to the Turks and Caicos Islands through the study abroad program The School for the Field Studies. The Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Overseas Territory that lie at the Southern end of the Bahamas.

I will be living in tight quarters with 50 other students and staff members. The program is centralized around applied marine research techniques where I will be developing approaches to marine conservation and resource management for the Turks and Caicos Islands. I'm ecstatic to be able to be in such a beautiful environment, untouched (for the most part) by tourists and travelers. South Caicos is not a resort island and has a very different lifestyle than what I used to. I will only have one fresh water shower a week and very limited internet access. Not only will I be conducting research, I will also be giving back to the community. I'm excited to be able to meet students from across America as well.

This is an experience that I hope will change my life and outlook. For month I can unplug from my American lifestyle and live a sustainable, marine lifestyle. I hope to come back as a new student and individual. I thank everyone who helped me get to this point and contributed to my ability to participate in the program.

I hope to update abroad if internet and time will allow, but until, then goodbye America!