Yesterday was a huge day for the island school community and for all of us students! We went to Deep Creek Middle School, which is one of the three parts of the Island School, to meet our little buddies. Each student has a buddy from the 7^th-9^th grade. I met my buddy, Kesyla. Although shy at first, she really opened up by the end of the day. Each buddy pair is working on a bigger project which focuses on issues in the local communities: cancer, diabetes, shadism, plastics, or building a new community center. My buddy and I are working on the Diabetes project. Although she is only 12, Kesyla presented to the entire group why this issue was important globally and locally. One thing that particularly struck me was how high the rates of Diabetes were in The Bahamas. She described was a typical Eleutheran dinner was, and eloquently spoke about how the island needed to start making more healthy choices. Later, she told me that some of her family members are diabetics, making this project for important for her. I am excited that I get to work on a community outreach project with my buddy, because working towards one common goal will help us bond throughout this semester. I love that we can both teach each other throughout this community outreach experience.

At Deep Creek Middle School, we got to know many other kids besides our buddies. We played basketball games and had arts and crafts time to do so. Continue reading →

Hi, I am Noelle and a student here at The Island School this semester. I will be writing this week’s blogs! Yesterday we woke up, all very excited for our first “psycho”, which is an intense and rapidly changing workout regiment. Although a little nervous about a workout given the name “psycho,” I ended up having a lot of fun. Not only did we run, but we also had piggyback and leapfrog races, did hopscotch over other students holding plank, and played blob tag. Not only was I getting really energized for the day, but I was laughing and watching a beautiful Bahamian sunrise the whole time. It was a perfect start to the morning.

Then we had out first lengthy research class. I am in the Queen Conch class and have to admit I was not excited about the project until yesterday morning. Hearing my advisors so passionately illustrate why this issue is so relevant and important made me realize that I am so lucky to have the opportunity to make an impact on the marine ecosystem. I could already feel my research group getting closer, with a shared feeling of excitement. Almost every other student felt the same way. Continue reading →

Yesterday at The Island School, we students were able to start our academic classes. We all went into our Research groups first this morning and they seemed fun, but are going to be intense! I am in the lionfish vs lobster research group with Jocelyn, Rachel, and Liz as our CEI Research Advisors. We were able to discuss what we already knew about lionfish and how they are harmful to their invaded environments since they are invasive. We also watched a video about the relationship between lobster and lionfish and if they might feed on each other. It seems like it is going to be a lot of work, but it is going to be so rewarding in the end. My Marine Ecology and Human Ecology class that I had in the afternoon seems like it is going to be a lot of fun. Peter and Becky teach Marine Ecology and since I plan on being a marine biologist when I get older, this class is going to be really beneficial to me. Our small group of twelve students also had to opportunity to capture an upside-down jellyfish called Cassiopia. Becky spoke to us about how they produce their own food as well as capturing it, which is fascinating. What a great start to our academic week.