“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.”

– Saint Augustine

Traveling was always something that I loved doing. I took my first plane ride down to Florida and went to Disney World with my Nana for my sixth birthday. Although I had preflight jitters, once we got up into the air, I thought to myself, Hmm this isn't too bad. Since then I was hooked. Being lucky enough to have family that would send me on trips because I could not afford them myself was something I always appreciated. Now, traveling is one of the few things that I actually save money for. I have been to California countless times to visit family and loved ones, Mexico once for a fun vacation and I have taken many other trips with teams, friends and coworkers.

During my junior year of college, an opportunity presented itself to my roommates and myself. We received a mass school email stating that if we registered for this marine biology class, we may be able to take a free trip to Belize. After enduring three years of college stuck in a cold, small town, I knew I had to grasp the chance to travel when it was given to me. My friends and I, plus probably a hundred other students emailed the professor back almost immediately, but the course was already full. We were upset but accepted the fact that we wouldn't be able to take an awesome trip out of the country together unless we paid for it ourselves.

Fast forward to the first semester of my senior year. I get an email from the same professor that was teaching the marine bio class. She just happened to be my freshman Bridges to Learning class teacher too, so we had developed a good relationship years prior. She simply said, " Someone dropped the marine bio class, I want to know if you want to go." Five minutes later I booked it out of the class I was in to meet up and get some more details about the trip. One day later I was registered. Luckily I had a few friends going on the trip so I knew I wouldn't be a loner the whole time, but after experiencing what we did I know that no matter who went I would have left with friends that shared a special bond.

The seven-week course flew by and the whole class had learned about the underwater life of the Caribbean. Before we knew it, it was time to board our flight and fly to a whole new world.

The hours of travel and lack of sleep were totally worth it. As soon as we stepped off that tiny plane that flew us over turquoise waters and palm trees, there were nothing but smiles and bright eyes on my classmates faces. We took a taxi from the airport to the place we would be staying, Tropical Research and Exploration Center or TREC in Ambergris Caye San Pedro, Belize, and settled into our bunks. Our rooms surrounded the in-ground pool and the sun shined into all of our windows, which was a nice alternative to the -2 degree weather in New Hampshire that we had departed from. There was a common room where everyone joined together for meals and at the lower level there was a chill spot with hammocks, picnic tables, and my favorite part, three lovable dogs and a cat. The first night I was still in shock that I was even there. We decided to take a chance and go out to the town with some of our mates. The warm night breeze, the sound of water slowly crashing to the shore and the music coming from the bars lured us in. A couple hours later we were singing karaoke with the locals.

The first real day there was amazing. We snorkeled in the most beautiful blue water anyone could imagine and saw a ton of creatures that we had learned about. Then things took a quick turn down a bad road, or toilet if you may. The entire camp was stricken with Norovirus, so for a few days everyone was out of commission, but when it passed we got back on our feet, put on our flippers and continued riding the roller coaster of adventure. We visited Mayan Ruins, ate some good fish, and got bronzed to perfection.

Everyone there helped make the trip fun and memorable and I will always look back at the times we shared. I often ponder on the once in a lifetime chance I got my senior year of college. Free or not, if you can travel, do it, because it is always worth it. There is something about being in a foreign land. The people are different, the environment is like nothing you've seen before and there is an all around joy running through your blood. Looking back now I wish I could relive the entire trip, but my photos and stories will have to suffice.