Today the group went snorkeling and saw some pretty cool animals. The reef was like a band, all the fish living in harmony. Not one fish was bothered by another, the fish were equal. Humans tend to not coordinate well together if someone they meet is different than themselves. The fish come in many different colors, sizes and shapes but no animal has more value than the next. During this whole trip the group has seen a variety of people, social classes, occupations, and leadership styles with bias and stereotypes associated with looks and income. For example the kids at the school saw us as their teachers when truly we learned as much from them as they learned about us. Since we might be taller and speak English better we seem to be smarter and not learning anything from them. The fish on the other hand saw every other fish as something that they could learn from; A cool defensive system, an efficient way of eating, or anything that they can improve on was something that could be learned from.
The scientists on Carrie Bow Cay saw this as well. Carrie Bow Cay is a Smithsonian research center that is currently analyzing the way that coral larva settles based on water conditions. The baby coral was helping the large coral by adding onto the growing structure, but the larva weighed the different options to live gaining information about various living strategies.
The snorkeling that I experienced today was one of the coolest nature outings I had ever participated in. On this trip I have changed my perspective on leadership ways, nature, people, and learning.
Dear Mom, Dad, Max, and Declan,
Miss you and I am so glad to see you soon. A cheeseburger with jalepeños, lettuce, ketchup and also Cajun fries would be greatly appreciated.
Love,
Francesca
Before yesterday, I had never been snorkeling. I've had many opportunities to snorkel, but the idea of swimming in the deep ocean terrified me. I was also quite scared of a slimy fish touching me. We humans still don't know a lot of information about the ocean even though we're very advanced and that scares me. Yesterday as the snorkeling leaders gave us a presentation about the dangerous and scary animals in the water, my stomach started turning. As we reached the dock, I was starting to feel uncertain about going. From the encouragements of my teammates I decided to try it out. First we started skill testing. Then we started to snorkel. The feeling of being able to breathe underwater was unfamiliar, weird, and exciting. Seeing beautiful and unique fish underneath you while swimming on the surface of the water was unforgettable. I'm still a bit nervous about swimming in the ocean but my fear has improved a lot. Next time I have the chance to snorkel I will jump to the opportunity.
Dear Mum, Dad, and Li Shen,
I miss you guys SOOO MUCH! It's unbearable. I can't wait to see you guys again. I would like to eat at HoneyPig (it closes really late) or have sushi when I arrive home please. I LOVE YOU GUYS!!! WO AI NI MEN!
Lots of love,
Sushi/Su Shen
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