by Caciques Aidan and Bronte

Today could be considered our first day of freedom after completing orientation and fully dedicating ourselves to the oncoming semester.  We were rewarded with a sleep-in and a day to ourselves to explore. Many students celebrated their day of independence with a nap, a game of Frisbee, or a trip to the local coffee shop at The Cape. Surrounded by friends, sitting on the deck of the coffee shop and starring out over the ocean, we had time to reflect on what was ahead of us. Quickly the realization of the long journey we had all committed ourselves to began to sink in. Continue reading →

“Jumping into the Semester”

by Cacique Georgianna Anderson

Waves skipped upon the face of High Rock, as a student was perched on the lip of the cliff. Arms flailing, the student jumped into the water and slowly sank just below the surface. Rising, though salty eyes the student could see the faces of the peers who had jumped before them. After a two mile run the students and faculty arrived at High Rock to celebrate the ending of orientation. Each student and faculty member began his or her day by jumping off High Rock into the indigo water below to symbolize the official beginning of the 2011 Spring Semester. The day continued with a series of traditions and celebrations. Continue reading →

By Caciques Adam and Holly

Community: this is the best word to describe today. Kayak groups 1 & 2 came back this afternoon, bringing the entire group back together. After those kayak groups left three days ago, it hit us all how strong the Island School Community really is. With half of our class gone, the campus felt deserted. Although it was quiet and much more peaceful, we realized how much each individual contributed to form a strong bond. Even though we were occupied with our SCUBA certification, no matter where we were, we noticed the absence of our new friends. In the dorms, at meals, during exploration time, and just walking across campus, we were disappointed not to see half of the faces we were always so happy to see. But, with the kayak groups back, the vibe of the campus is overwhelmingly positive. Every single person is excited to be back in the Island School’s tightly knit community.

“Amidst Scuba Week”

by Caciques TJ and Trueranda

Before our eyes were graced with the orange reddish hew of the spectacular Eleuthera sunrise, we knew it was going to be a jam packed day of activities. But, keeping with The Island School momentum, the adventures exceeded our expectations. “This morning I, TJ, woke up at 6:22am with negative 2 minutes before we were supposed to raise the flag.” After morning circle we all went on an exciting bike ride through the inner loop, an area that we the students would soon be able to explore during exploration time. When we returned to campus, one of the best breakfasts yet awaited us. This was Continue reading →

SCUBA Week – Day 1

by Caciques Jack Kempner and Mia Thomas

After a 6:00 AM wake up for Jack and me (Mia), blurry eyed and ready to go, we made it out of the dorm to put up the Bahaman Flag. Before we even had a chance to raise the infamous flag, the line broke, leaving us embarrassed after our first cacique duty.  Morning circle ended following a warm group hug to bid K1 and K2 a good journey on their kayak expeditions.  The rest of the SCUBA team headed out on a SCUBA psycho exercize, which was a prerequisite for the coming week.   The grueling working out consisted of:  piggyback runs (a partner on your back as you jog down the road), buddy sprints, and various core workouts and calisthenics.  All of these exercises were done while performing a critical SCUBA action or process.  We returned to campus sweaty and tired, but excited for the day of SCUBA ahead. Continue reading →

“Quickly Becoming a Community”

by Caciques Nick Manning and Lizzie Ayoub

No sense of the word “time” exists any longer. Days seem like two, and any social barriers between our newly forming relationships have been crushed by our optimism and spirit as we strive to learn just how well we can define the word “community.” A certain comfort is being reached as each student begins to feel connected, accepted, and wanted. This strong sense of togetherness makes my still fresh experience of this beautiful place seem like an old friend. In every conversation I have with somebody I haven’t met, I feel his or her genuine self, and a unique personality unhidden by social awkwardness. Already I have a wealth of memories that I’m sure will stick with me for a very long time, making what has been one week seems like a month. Continue reading →