 |  Name: Aubrey Ellertson
SFS Program: Turks and Caicos Spring 2010
School: Franklin and Marshall College
Hometown & State: Glen Ridge, NJ
What did you like most about the SFS experience?
Being able to be in the water and out in the field everyday. In addition, I really enjoyed interacting with the local community through basketball, swim lessons, and evening activities.
You've been in the country for a full semester - what are your impressions of it now?
With only a few days remaining, I have really come to realize how much I love this country: I love South Caicos, and I love the people on this island. I love the children I have interacted with, and I really believe it is going to be extremely difficult saying goodbye to them. I can say with confidence that I know probably at least 100 people in the South Caicos community. I have met a wide range of children, high school kids, members of the DECR, local fishermen, teachers, bartenders, police officers, and power plant workers. These people have a strong and rich love for their country, and I really am honored to have met them here.
What is life at the SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies really like? What are the best parts and the most challenging parts of living at a remote field station?
Life at the Center is really close-knit and in some ways feels a lot like summer camp. We wake up 7 AM to the morning bell, attend morning meeting at 7:50 AM and continue our day on a strictly hour by hour basis. Wednesday night evening activities and snorkel trips together have been some of my fondest memories at the Center. One of the challenges this semester was not having a wireless router, and thus only relying on five research center computers to get all our research and readings done.
What ended up being your biggest challenge this semester both academically and culturally?
My biggest challenge this semester academically was trying to conduct research for my papers with limited Internet access. Culturally, I did not really have a problem. I think it is important to show the local community that we are not here just to use their land or resources. We are here to learn about everything that South Caicos has to offer, including getting to know the locals. I never realized this before, but I do believe you learn a lot from every person you meet. I know I can’t even being to imagine the life some of these locals have, but any story, or conversation I can have with them I feel is very beneficial and rewarding. What is the best memory you have from the semester? Give some highlights.
One memory, that I truly won’t forget was losing my wallet and creditcards here on South Caicos. My wallet fell out of my purse one evening and I was frantically trying to find it and retrace my steps. Little did I know that one of my basketball buddies had found it. He promptly returned it to me the next morning with all the money and everything just the way I had left it. Give three adjectives that best describes how you are feeling right now.
Sad, anxious, and grateful.
First Impressions
 Why did you choose to study abroad with SFS?
I chose to study abroad with SFS because I have loved the ocean and marine biology since I was seven years old. I have done several marine and oceanographic summer programs while in high school such as Acadia Institute of Oceanography and SEA semester, but nothing on a collegiate level. Thus, I hope to gain a greater understanding and appreciation for marine biology and resource management here at South Caicos. What were your first impressions of the country?
I have always been excited about traveling, especially to new environments because I know that their way of life will be very different from mine. The moment I stepped off the plane, I knew life these next few months would be extremely different for me. The air was hot and dry, and the sky was partly cloudy with a constant breeze. I didn’t know much about South Caicos, but I was very eager to learn. My first impressions of the country were that the Belongers (or locals) were a close-knit community and very welcoming and friendly to each of us. While it appears that the island is quite poverty-stricken, it’s rich culture and love for marine fishing makes me very excited to be here. What were your first impression of the SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies?
My first impression of the Center was that we had the best views and the best location on the entire island. What do you think the biggest challenge will be for you this semester both academically and culturally?
I think the biggest challenge for me this semester academically will be memorizing 50 or more scientific names for the identification exams, as well as learn how to manage my time despite our highly structured days. What are you looking forward to most this semester?
The one thing I am looking forward to the most this semester is getting to know the locals, their way of life, and gaining a broader understanding of marine resource management and ecology. Give three adjectives that best describe how you are feeling right now.
Three adjectives that best describe how I feel right now are: enthusiastic, privileged, and cheerful Favorite Memory So Far: One particular snorkeling trip that has become most memorable to me was a trip to HDL islands. These are a few smaller islands clustered together where we had the opportunity to snorkel amongst beautiful coral. While snorkeling I had the rare and exciting opportunity of running into a creature that some may find terrifying or dangerous. While out snorkeling in a strong current, I put my head down into the water only to come face to face with a 7-foot Hammerhead shark! The excitement, fear, and mix of emotions was something I don’t think I’ll ever quite forget. I quickly got out my camera and snapped a photo for posterity and proof. I cannot wait to continue my snorkeling adventures and meet all sorts of new and majestic creatures these next few months. I am very happy that I have the opportunity to be in South Caicos this semester. South Caicos is an island full of rich culture, and welcoming community members.
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