Daily Update, Student Update

Diving and Thriving

8 o’clock never felt so good. Day Four was our first sleep-in of the term, although tons of students opted to run and continue to physically stretch themselves. As the sun grew hotter, K1 and K2 prepared to SCUBA dive and K3 and K4 were off on their down-island and kayak adventures. The five veteran divers were quick to get ready and were eager to embark on yet another thrill ride in the Saddle, while the rest of the novice divers worked diligently on their open-water skills, pushing towards their certification.

day 4 pic

After another great day, a delicious dinner and dish-crew a capella, our first Natural History of Marine Ecology class rolled around. The classroom structure was unique and quickly began to teach us the importance of one of the three pillars of the Island School: Developing a Sense of Place. As soon as class commenced, the central theme of asking questions became evident, as Peter hysterically disagreed with all of our answers to his question, “Why do we teach you to breath underwater?” This encouraged us to keep thinking and come to a conclusion as a whole.

Each day continues to help us grow academically and physically, as we learn new and different techniques to enhance our learning experiences. We keep pushing our limits and impressing ourselves everyday by overcoming all of the challenging but compelling obstacles down here on South Eluethera. #FUNINTHESUN

-Evie and Nate

Daily Update, Student Update

Growing Our Sense of Place

You cannot forget the first time you look up from the ocean floor and see your bubbles rising quickly to meet the surface. Even though waves and currents affect the surface seen from land, from below, it is a humongous mass of water, which is unhindered by anything but its own ebb and flow. It is surely frightening to be so far removed from the air you are accustomed to breathing, but after a few deep breaths through your tank, you can calm down and start to realize how incredible it is that you are thirty feet underwater.

Today was the first day that we really focused on developing our sense of place here on Eleuthera. One of the “three pillars” here at the Island School is sense of place, and this week during orientation we are focusing on establishing that. Students were divided into K1, K2, K3, and K4 groups that would determine their schedules during orientation week, and throughout the whole week the final goal was to establish sense of place through land, sea surface, and under water. Each day, each group embarks on a different journey in hopes that they will familiarize themselves with the land and the people.

K1 and K2 would spend the next two days focusing solely on scuba diving certification, which aimed to familiarize the students with the ocean and the different species we will study in the coming weeks. To those who have never dived before, it is an incredible experience to view an entirely different world, to forget what land feels like, and to be able to stay underwater longer than you can hold your breath. All of the students, from those who have been already been certified, to those who have spend little time in water, let alone under it, have taken the challenges in stride and have had a great time getting to explore an unfamiliar place.

The down-island trip stopped for a snorkel expedition and this picture was taken looking up from an ocean hole.
The down-island trip stopped for a snorkel expedition and this picture was taken looking up from an ocean hole.

K3 embarked on their first down-island trip to visit different spots on South Eleuthera, stopping at different settlements to learn about each one along the way. On their journey, they visited a beach in Deep Creek where they snorkeled and saw a lot of fish and even a few sting rays, they walked through caves that were the home to hundreds of bats, they shopped at a local market, they jumped into “Ocean Hole” in Rock Sound, and they finished off their journey with a local favorite “Papaya cups” that was a delicious popsicle like treat made from fresh local papayas.

K4 set out on a journey to get to know the water from the surface, on a kayaking trip. They went all around Eleuthera, stopping at different beaches, and practicing new skills they would need for their longer kayaking trips in the future.  One of the guides, Nick, helped the students build a fire on the beach and rumor has it some students managed to make quesadillas with the fire. All of the students are looking forward to the days to come during orientation.

Your caciques of the day,

Kate Grossman and Will Ryan

Daily Update, Student Update

Into the Water for the First Time

Pushing off the sandy ground into the water for the first time, many different emotions raced through my mind. Having grown up in Tanzania, this is my first time in the ocean—and one of the most door-opening experiences I have had so far on my journey here at Island School. With the help of the faculty and the encouragement of all my new friends, I am feeling much more comfortable in the water. My goal is to join everyone else in the run-swims in two weeks, and, even now, I can begin to see that dream come true. Everyone else was able to complete their swimming test, and had their first real taste of what the run-swims will be like. We are all excited to see how far we come on this journey together as a team.

Apart from the swim test, we had our first exploration time. Most of the students biked to the Saddle—a dredged section of the old marina—and got to snorkel around with their buddies for the first time. Looking out into the distance, several students pointed out a spotted eagle ray to each other. As the days continue, we hope to see many more fascinating organisms. There are so many other places to explore, like High Rock and Fourth Hole Beach, and we simply cannot wait to get out there and experience them for ourselves. Island School is already becoming a part of us.

-Emily and Loth

CEI, CSD

Opportunities on Cape Eleuthera

11070080086_1e61a04d44_zThe Island School, Cape Eleuthera Institute, and Center for Sustainable Development have a number of internship and work opportunities still available for the 2014-15 academic year. You can learn more about all of the opportunities on our websites. For specific questions, please email info@islandschool.org.

Cape Eleuthera Institute - Internships

The Island School - Full-time Communications Educator

Center for Sustainable Development - Internships

Uncategorized

Summer Term 2014: No Ceilings

From Tanzania to San Francisco, our community is a diverse one, but it can agree on one thing: we are all excited for the month to come! Although a few are still trickling in, we have all arrived safely on the beautiful island of Eleuthera, thanks to the dedicated and inspirational staff’s leadership. First day jitters jumped away as everyone rose bright and early to come together as a group, sing the Bahamian National Anthem, and hop in the water for an early morning snorkel.

As we went on this bonding snorkeling experience, friendships were not only made with our fellow students but also with the sea creatures we encountered. We got the chance to hold a giant starfish, West Indian sea eggs, brittle sea stars, and even donkey dung (sea cucumber!) and sea slugs. The donkey dung shared some of its fluids, so we had some good laughs. An hour came and went, the staff led us back to land, and the rest of the day flew by. Students toured campus for the first time and found their bearings on the boathouse and in the classroom. After hearing the academic and social expectations last night, we have high hopes for the rest of the month. The community is growing fast, and there is no telling how strong we will all become. #NOCEILINGS

Your Day One Caciques (student leaders for the day),

Eliot, Malik, and Clay

A Summer Term 2014 advisory prepares for the wreck snorkel.
A Summer Term 2014 advisory prepares for the wreck snorkel.
A student examines a massive sea star.
A student examines a massive sea star.

 

Student Update, Uncategorized

Dr. Seuss Said It Best…

2 Comments

…when he said…

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes you can steer yourself any direction you choose Dr Seuss

The day has arrived.

It is June 12th which always seemed to be more of a reference to our departure that seemed way off in the distance, is now upon us.

As we sit here in our common room in Boys Dorm, with the clock pushing on 3 in the morning, there lies a thin line between reminiscing over memories and bursting into tears. Morning circle is in two hours, followed by loading up the bus and passing through South Eleuthera one last time. We decided as a dorm to stay awake the entire night; yet just like our 12 year old selves found out at sleepovers, it becomes much more difficult than previously expected.

Whether our eyes are red from sleep deprivation or tears—or maybe a combination of both—our time together is slowly diminishing. It’s sinking in that our semester is coming to a close; the final chapter of our Island School book is ending.

At the same time, it seemed like just yesterday we were only starting that book, with the first pages filled with more questions than anything else. 100 days ago we arrived here, not knowing what we were really getting ourselves into.

This journey was not an easy one.

Each day brought challenges that seemed harder to overcome than the day before. Each workout a little bit longer, each class becoming more in-depth and thought provoking.

All 48 of us have changed, and the best part of this whole experience was doing it together.

We lived, ate, learned, and slept near each other 24/7. At first thought this seems like a recipe for disaster, for that much time together would make us all sick of each other. Instead, the friendships that my peers and I have formed are ones that I wouldn’t trade for the world.

I made a blog post on April 10th named “Ferris Bueller said it best” in which I described where we stood in our semester, and how we would make the most out of the last 64 days that we had. Those 64 days went by faster than I could ever imagine, and I know my peers feel the same way.

This Island School experience has completely changed our way of living, and now we have to jump back into our previous worlds.

Wherever that may be, it will be without all the members of this community that made our time so special. I know that we will all remember this place forever, and not just through all the Instagram and Facebook posts from the 26 girls from our semester with the hashtag #takemeback.

The Island School has changed the way I view the world around me, as well as how to be a great friend, researcher, student, mentor, and member of a community.

Although the Island School won’t be on my mind all the time moving forward, I know I’ll have a place to thank for making me a better person.

Congrats to the other 47 students who have also experienced this once in a lifetime journey. I know that we will all go on to have amazing futures, as Island School was only the beginning. It is true that 100 days have past, but there are many many more to come.

As Dr. Seuss so famously wrote, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…”

by Zach McCloskey

Apprentice Programme

Introducing Summer 2014 Bahamian Apprentices

Every summer, The Cape Eleuthera Island School welcomes a number of talented and driven young Bahamians to campus, offering them an opportunity to work closely with The Island School and the Cape Eleuthera Institute’s staff and researchers through our Summer Apprenticeship Program. Meet this summer’s apprentices:

20140623_084432Hi, my name is LeDante Johnson, a community member of Tarpum Bay. It is with great honor that I accept the task as administrative apprentice and join the team here at The Island School. I’m 16 years old and for most of my life I’ve been interested in medicine and the amazing work that doctors do, that’s why my biggest dream is to become an Anesthesiologist. Working here will help me as well as the other apprentices to gain experience in the workforce so that we will be better equipped to face life’s challenges on our own. Before I came here as an apprentice I had already had many experiences at The Island School because of my attendance at the Deep Creek Middle School. I can assure all of the members here that I will always put my best foot forward and perform that tasks that are given to me to the absolute best of my ability. Thank you guys so much for this awesome experience!

 

20140623_084408My name is Michael Coleby, I am sixteen years of age and I live in Wemyss Bight on the island of Eleuthera. I have lived here for four, going on five years. My mother’s name is Shantaire McKinney. She is a part of the accounts team here at the Island School. I am the oldest of three children. When I relocated to Eleuthera, I was awarded the exciting opportunity to attend DCMS. The experience at the middle school was wonderful and I made some great memories there. I attended DCMS for two and a half years before moving forward to Preston H. Albury High School. My hobbies include playing sports, especially Basketball and Tennis, I also love playing video games. This is just a brief biography of me I encouraged everyone to chat with me and get to know me better. Also I must say thank you so much for choosing me as your new facilities apprentice.

 

20140623_084419 (1)Hello, my name is Jermaine Sands. I am a 6 feet tall 19 year old guy who’s smart, outspoken, determined and loves to laugh. I presently attend the College of The Bahamas where I’m studying to obtain an associates degree in mechanical engineering. In my spare time I love playing basketball, running, fishing and listening to music. As a little boy growing up I would go out to the airport with my grandmother and watch the airplanes as they landed and took off. It was then that I knew that was what I wanted to do, fly airplanes and become a well renowned pilot. So until then I’ll keep striving for excellence.

 

20140623_084354 (1)My name is Kendeisha Beatrice Forbes. I am seventeen years of age and I’m going into the twelfth grade this fall. My passion is cooking and I absolutely enjoy working in the kitchen! I recently did a culinary training course at Lincoln College in West Palm, Florida where I learned  many cooking skills and techniques. I also won first winner up in the Young Chef competition here in Eleuthera. I love to create new and exciting recipes, I recently made a Sapodilla Cheesecake that honestly, tasted heavenly. It has now become one of my signature dishes. When I graduate from high school, I would love the opportunity to go to culinary school and become an executive chef! Not only do I enjoy cooking but I also enjoy eating great food, dining at fine restaurants and meeting new people. 

20140623_084305

Alumni

Finding Querencias Away from Island School

Spring 2007 alumna, Hilary Waleka, recently sent us a link to a post on her blog. In this post, she wrote about querencias. Ever since attending Island School and learning about the meaning of a querencia, Hilary has sought out a special place for her to reflect and be aware of her sense of place in a number of places she has lived and traveled to. In this blog post, she shares her most recent querencia spot: http://hilarywalecka.wordpress.com/2014/06/19/querencia/