oday is now the 5th day in Jamacia and so far, it has been incredible, a much-needed change of pace from the classic school setting. Being able to snorkel around the entire reef practically at any given free moment is amazing and something I have tried to take full advantage of. So far, I have snorkeled about 2-3 times a day trying to explore all areas of the reef surrounding the lab. This is the first time I have been to the Caribbean since 2014 and certainly the first time I will be able to vividly remember the experience. Being able to see the reef and all the creatures living in it has been awesome it feels like a scavenger hunt to try and find as many different creatures looking in all the nooks and crannies for life. Taking pictures underwater has been challenging as it is a new skill to learn and something I wish to get better at in the future. I wish my camera battery lasted much longer than it currently does as I could be out there for hours upon hours on one snorkel session just exploring.
Learning to put on my gear and use it was mostly seamless besides my mask fogging up on the first day. Otherwise, I have taken to the water like a fish. One notable moment today snorkeling I got the pleasure to see a sea turtle swim by in deeper water near the lab, only to be startled moments later by what I believe to be a giant barracuda swimming off in the distance. As someone who enjoys to fish this was both a cool experience and saddening moment that I don’t have a rod and reel not that sad but always in the back of my head ha-ha. The actual process of learning to id the creatures and learn the scientific names have been challenging as many of these fish/ coral/ invertebrates / plants are foreign to me but it has not been completely unenjoyable. Another aspect of this trip that is foreign to me is having roommates this is the first time I have ever had to live with people I don’t know. So far, we all have all gotten to know each other and we get along well, and it has been stress-free.
Getting 3 meals a day cooked for us is another enjoyable aspect of this trip. Today we just got told what we will be doing as far as contributing to one of the ongoing science experiments which this will finally be my first-time having hands on experience in the field with research and it is exciting to be able to be a part of that. Looking forward to continuing the rest of the trip with a positive outlook and enjoying this weather that I must wait all year for back home especially since it may snow from what I’m hearing. I have had a couple of other favorite moments finding cool creatures, but a lot of pictures came out blurry. I have considered myself lucky up until this point to be able to be a part of this class.
One of the first large animals I spotted on the trip close by the lab scared me when I Initially saw it.
One of my favorite fish in the area and this one was kind enough to stay still and allow me to get a clear picture.
Easily one of the best parts of the trip to be able to wake up to this view every morning.
-Jaden