Hayden Tompkins '13

Today I saw that just snorkeling on the beach can be a lot of fun, and that just three things could really define my whole day. Those were: snorkeling at Savannah Bay, exploring the Baths, and chillin with the DJ after dinner. I woke up today knowing that we would not be diving,nand I was a little sad from...

Today, actually yesterday, began our 2nd of Jesuit's epic, 3-week journey into the wonders of marine biology. Everyone was thinking, "this is it," "today is the day;" at least that's what I was thinking. My steps into security were exhilarating, as this was the barrier between all the parents and my first real international experience in my life....

After a slightly chaotic and info-stuffed day, due to all the introductory things we we were told about the coursework and the island itself, today was where the instructors slowed us down a bit and let our minds really sink in to all what we were doing. However my day began hectic since I had forgotten to set...

Today we went through what would be the last day in the classroom part of this journey, with all of us barely keeping still in our seats as we imagined ourselves standing on the perfect tropical beach that is BVI. For a good chunk of class, Mr.Kirby and Doc went over again what we will be experiencing there, the...

Today was another stuffed day; going from the classroom to the lab and then back, constantly reviewing and discussing our material and preparations for BVI this weekend. It began with Mr.Kirby and Doc discussing an outline of what we would be experiencing at BVI, it felt like the whole class couldn't wait to run in that Caribbean sand. We...

Today we all walked into class obviously eagar to learn, but this time our mental readiness came in better handy as we got through all of what we expected to do, with a little left over for tomorrow. However unexpectedly, the day began with sheets in front of all of us asking us to break down our knowledge of...

On the seventh day of Marine Biology, I learned just how fun and insightful the class could be without really going to the real hands-on stuff. We started off with the 2nd round of the class led article discussions. Andrew and Colin started things off by talking about their article concerning how invasive species of Parrotfish contribute to the...

Today we started our second and final week of the in-class portion of marine biology, with everyone overflowing with excitement for the British Virgin Islands trip. However, what was in store for us quelled our excitement just a little, as we went hands on and dissected star fishes and squid, identifying their main external and internal anatomy. All of...

Through this always challenging and exciting course, we have finally reached the midpoint of this grand journey, completing one week in the two week in-class course with the third and final week in the British Virgin Islands doing an on-field diving trip. This is what Mr.Kirby, Dr.Gruninger, and all of us are looking forward to. As I reflect on...