When you look up Turks and Caicos Islands online, you most likely will see pictures of five-star resorts and crystal clear waters. What they don't show you is what the real communities look like. And that is what I got to experience that firsthand for myself.

My study abroad experience was unlike any other from most of the students that I know. For approximately a month, I lived on South Caicos, one of the islands part of an archipelago of 40 islands in the Atlantic Ocean. The center that I lived in was located on the most Southern part of the island right on the water overlooking the ocean. We lived in close proximity of the surrounding community where we were able to walk to local shops and restaurants. We were allowed one fresh water shower weekly in order to conserve water. We washed our clothes by hand and left them out to dry in the 90 degree weather. The island also inhabits many wild animals such as donkeys, horses, and dogs. In 2008, South Caicos was hit by a hurricane, destroying many parts of the island, so most of the buildings and shops are run down.

We collected data for several different five-year research projects for marine resource management. The projects focused on shark populations, fin-fish and local fisheries, and food security of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Part of my research that I chose was in regards to food security and poverty. I investigated how food security is affected by socioeconomic parameters such as income, occupation, size of household, etc. What I found was that I was living in a country where people struggle to eat and their health is rapidly declining. While online Turks and Caicos may look like a resort island, its citizens are suffering from the struggle to obtain healthy food. Food security is a large problem on a global level, however, experiencing it first hand was an experience unlike any other. My fellow researchers and I interviewed approximately 27 local South Caicos citizens and what they had to say was so important. We spoke to many people that had a variety of occupations and came from different islands in TCI and other surrounding Caribbean countries. Most of the people are humble, living much simpler lifestyles than we do in America. They appreciate what we take advantage of everyday.

I may not have been in a five star hotel or living as a tourist in a foreign country but for a month, I was a citizen of a country facing issues much greater than I have ever experienced. I learned more about myself than I would have ever imagined. I am grateful for where I live, the clean water I drink and the life I was born into. For once, school wasn't about the grades it was about the knowledge and experienced gained.