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Academic News

After an exciting and busy planning process we started the fall semester at the Mexico center. The students arrived to La Paz airport (although some pieces of baggage arrived later); we spent one night in the city where had a welcome dinner and rested before driving to Puerto San Carlos. The first week down here included several orientation and introductory activities and the students have already had the chance to interact with the local community and visit natural areas during the first academic activities in the program. While getting to know the town during a tour of Puerto San Carlos, students were asked to observe and analyze some of the characteristics and living conditions in the area. They recorded their observations to be used as part of their course called Economic & Ethical Issues in Sustainable Development. They also were involved in activities planned as part of the International Coastal Cleanup which our Student Affairs Manager (SAM) had a key role in organizing. During this interesting activity they faced some of the local problems affecting the area, aspects that will be covered during their course called Principles of Natural Resource Management. Later on, they visited the dunes on the island that divides the Pacific Ocean and Magdalena Bay where our center is located; besides enjoying breathtaking landscapes they also received one of the first lectures of their Coastal Ecology course. The conditions are set to have an enriching semester and the faculty and other staff members are ready and very excited to continue assisting students during this that promises to be a unique experience. Hector Perez Cortes M., Center Director

Student News

“To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.” – Anatole France

We are at the beginning of another SFS semester filled with great expectations. Thirteen new students have arrived with new dreams and all the capabilities to act on them. I am really looking forward to spending time with these individuals as they have shown themselves to be unique, inquisitive and all have such a positive energy. The first week of the fall semester has flown by. Most of the week was filled with orientation sessions and introductions to classes. On Friday, all of the students participated in the International Coastal Clean-Up event in Puerto San Carlos, along side 150 residents of Puerto San Carlos! The result was impressive, with 175 bags of trash removed from a one kilometer stretch of coastline. This past Saturday was Mexican Independence Day and we all attended the parade at the town plaza. All around are red, white, and green decorations and a festive spirit. In the evening there were cultural presentations in the plaza and a dance at the Salon Civico. Today everyone relaxed and started the reading for classes which kick in to full gear this week. Cristina Liberati, Student Affairs Manager

Student Reflections

Together, the red-white-green, the bright sun, the endless sand, and the pangas pulling in the day's catch make for a stunning introduction to Puerto San Carlos. Still, the aspect I find most striking about the town is its spirit. Already, I have been able to connect with it in so many ways. Playing with the children in the plaza as they jumped off the swings and flipped on the monkey bars, I saw it in their smile. Watching as each school marched by in the parade on el Dia de Independencia, the spirit was an unmatched pride in the shout “Viva Mexico!” In the small shops, it is a friendly, unrestricted hello. Here, the people have determination and an embracing optimism that permeates all aspects of life. As I begin my time with SFS, my first lesson is not in the classroom, but in each of the locals I meet. I came here for the amazing wildlife, the lessons in research, and the chance to see conservation at work. I wanted my experience to be filled with sea turtles and whales, fisheries and wetlands, but now I realize the ecology I'm going to learn doesn't just deal with plants and animals, but will include lessons in all aspects of life. Kristen Marshall, Whitman College

Hola from the SFS field station in Bahia Magdelena, Mexico. I should clarify. This Mexican paradise is not so much a “field” station as a “deserty-ocean wonderland” station. I write to you from a hammock under the stars. It's okay to be jealous—even I find it difficult to contain my excitement about the promise of resource management, coastal ecology, and environmental sociology lectures on the dunes tomorrow. By the way, I have seen neither hide nor tail of a cloud here since my arrival. Speaking of hide and tail, Bahia's thirteen fall semester estudiantes spent most of this week getting acquainted with their temporary home base, Puerto San Carlos, in a preliminary exploration of the natural and social aspects of this place. Although there may be quite a few slightly mangy, yet amiable, stray dogs in town, the vibrancy of its people is overwhelming. We arrived just in time for the Mexican Dia de Independencia and spent the weekend soaking in the fiesta. After our acclimatizing week of swimming near the mangroves, sunrise group workout bonding, and savory suppers of salsa, tamales, and fajitas, we are ready to embark upon our first day of classes. Our transportation?  Panga boats, of course, with which we shall embark upon our sea turtle and fisheries management research, as well as our studies on the complexity of the relationship between the natural resources of Puerto San Carlos and those who call it “casa.” Although our first week of sharp blue skies has been stimulating, I look forward to learning of the ecological, social, and economic intricacies of this place that will transform it from a superficial paradise into cherished place in my academic conscience and personal identity. Viva Mexico! Kerry Whittaker, Colby College

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