Exploring the vast oceans of life, learning and love

This line from a poem by an incredibly talented poet that I know has become something of a creed for me and family.  Like the expansive oceans, it is difficult for our limited human brains to comprehend the enormity and endless possibilities in life.  We never know when we will encounter a person or have an experience that transforms our lives.  Traveling to Jamaica for a Tropical Marine Biology course when I was 20 years old was one such experience for me, although I did not realize it at the time.  Like most of my students on this trip, it was my first time on an airplane and my first time traveling outside of the United States.  Little did I realize that this trip ignited a passion for travel that I never knew was there.  Since this trip in 1995, I have traveled internationally every year since, filling all the pages on two passports (something I take great pride in).  It has been the journeys and people encountered that I value more than the ink on any pages.  The professor of the Marine Biology course, Dr Eugene Kaplan, who later became my mentor, did what all great teachers do; he pushed me to learn beyond what I thought I was capable of.  That experience inspired me to become a Biology major, which lead me to become a science teacher at Satellite Academy High School.  Satellite Academy has been one of the great loves of my life.  The Satellite Academy community is unique in the sense that we don’t subscribe to the theory that school should be a sterile environment.  We are not shy to say that we love our students or to give them a hug when they need a hug. I know this will be an unforgettable experience in the lives of my students, perhaps transformative for some.   Students have discovered an interest in learning about the environment and nature that will have a lasting impact.  This study abroad experience to Costa Rica has deepened my love for the students who embarked on this unforgettable journey.   I am so proud of my students for so many reasons:  stepping out of their comfort zones and embracing the experience, taking care of and supporting one another like the family we are, asking thoughtful questions and grappling with complex ideas, pushing themselves and staying positive during our intense 18 hour daily schedule for eight straight days.   As we come to the end of our study experience in Costa Rica, I encourage all of my students to stay open to new experiences and possibilities.  Keep exploring the vast oceans of life learning and love.

Costa Rican Experience

On this day is the day that we depart back to United States Of America. Am I excited ? Maybe just a little bit, but apart of me wants to stay here right here in Costa Rica to explore more. My highlight of the trip to Costa Rica was meeting and conducting research on Water midges with Dr. Carlos De La Rosa. He was awesome it's refreshing to see a person that has years of experience become excited when a student or younger person is interested in their studies. The bonus was that he didn't mind speaking to us and and also taking time out of his day to let us assist him in some of his research. While we were I La Selva I spoke to Dr. De La Rosa about Roger's and my mini research project on the howler monkeys. Now Dr. De La Rosa is willing to send us some information and videos on the howler monkeys so that we can continue the research in the United States. This study abroad program has given me a chance to connect with other individuals that I have never spoken to before. In the First couple of days everybody became comfortable with one another and that was when Steve said " We Are All Family ". This experience will forever be unforgettable and I hope that next year I will be able to travel abroad with satellite academy for a another fun filled, action packed educational experience exploring the world to better ourselves. 

Bitter Sweet

As our trip comes to an end, I stop and think of all the all the moments we had  such as: going through the rain forest of La Selva with Dr Carlos de la Rosa, walking down the beach of Tortuguero at night tracking down the leatherback turtles, and creating new bonds that I hope will last a lifetime. This trip was not any ordinary trip just like we are not and ordinary school. We were and are a family. Last night as I stood on the top of a mountain, I acknowledged the true meaning of this trip. Aside from its' educational purpose, we are here to open our eyes, clear our minds, and take in what the world has to offer beyond the screen of a phone or a computer.  I accomplished all that and also learned to value myself more. I was also to view myself through the eyes of many others. It's sad to go but this is not the last chapter. This is truly an experience I appreciate and wouldn't change for the world. 

Night Walks and Life Talks

This study abroad trip has been eye opening. During this trip I have been going on night walks through the rainforest, studying habitats and behaviors of animals and insects, and also creating a close bond with my peers. I slowly overcame my fear of spiders. 

   I am so grateful to have been given such an amazing opportunity, with amazing people. To Steve, you have been the most extraordinary person I have ever met. I love that you have always been a great support system. You showed me that we don't give up on love and taught me to extend my love to everybody.

    To Paul, being around you is always fun and you can turn any situation into laughter. You brighten up everybody's lives. Thank you for every single opportunity you have offered to me!

   I'm so grateful that you guys accepted me for me, when nobody did and shaped me into the woman I am today. It has been an honor not only being on this trip, but being a part of your lives for 2 years. So thank you! 

Eyes wide open

   

This trip was honestly nothing like what I expected. It was so much better then I could have ever imagined. My eyes opened up to so many new things. Life isn't only just a little box in New York that I've been living in. This trip taught me that there's so much more to life.

    I've grown so much love for everyone on this trip. I never even thought I'd speak to the majority of the people here, but so glad I did. This trip is something I will remember forever. 

    Thank you Steve and Paul for making this an incredible life changing experience. You guys aren't only my principals; you guys are like my second parents. You make me feel at home away from home, and so did everyone else on this trip. I love you all, thank you for making this all happen. 

For my students

 

April 9, 2015

As I looked around me at Newark International Airport’s Riviera café, I wanted to pinch myself. This moment has finally come; a moment that began with a seed that Paul planted in my mind two years ago; a moment that could not arrive without heavy reflection, hard work, and, sometimes, swimming against a bureaucratic current that seemed too strong to overcome. Perhaps it always feels surreal when you witness a dream blossom into the most spectacular flower. 

 

Here I was seeing it with my very eyes. My students sitting around me, passports and boarding passes in hand, getting ready to embark on a journey so significant and so impactful it would transform their lives forever.  Paul and I are both world travelers and have participated in numerous educational travel programs. We knew the value of this opportunity because travel has changed us and altered our relationship to life, learning, and the world.  Students knew it too. Some had anxious looks on their faces. Some were excited. We all knew that this was something special "flying first class" as Cristi  creatively described it in her blog. 

 

We arrived in Costa Rica only six days ago but it seems like we have been here forever. Days are long, arduous, and extremely rewarding. The country is beautiful. We have seen and done so much: day and night hikes with naturalists in the rainforest, encountered numerous species of animals in their natural habitat, worked with world class scientists to collect specimens, discuss their research, and design our own investigations that were inspired by those visits. 

I could write pages and pages about the academic value of this experience, but what I want to write about mostly is my remarkable students and how lucky I am to have met them. Many people use the word love casually, but I know I truly love them because what I am enjoying more than anything on this trip is seeing them experience joy and witnessing their transformation.

 

There are many lessons students will learn from this trip, but the most important thing I want my students to know is that life is full of wonderful possibilities and that the most difficult limitations to overcome are the ones we impose on ourselves. I want them to know that despite the negativity that exists in the world, there are good people out there waiting to open doors for them; waiting to support them; waiting to love them. I want them to know that Costa Rica represents more than just a study abroad opportunity. It represents the idea that all things are possible and that no matter what you are going through today or what have gone through yesterday; tomorrow is full of possibility and dreams fulfilled. I want them to know that they are remarkable and brilliant  individuals. I know this because I have witnessed, first hand, their interactions with each other, with scientists, and with nature. I want them to know that anyone who has ever told them otherwise is wrong. What I discovered is that I worked so hard to create a transformational experience for them, but in the end they have transformed me in ways that are too powerful to describe in words.  

Please take this experience and all your other experiences from Satellite Academy High School to propel yourself forward and live a big life.  Then expand your heart and use your life to create opportunity where none exists, open doors for people who may not be able to open it for themselves. Do it not just because it is the right thing to do. Do it because, in the end, you will be transformed. Here is how I will always remember all of you who have shared this journey with me:

Celeste:

You are a beautiful spirit. At first you are shy, but when you finally emerge from your shell you are fierce, intelligent, and a great vocalist. I appreciate your sensitivity and your ability to work well with all people.

Terrel:

 

I didn't know you well before this trip. Except that you never smiled when I called you to my office. Now you smile all the time and that makes my heart smile. Not only do you smile but you have an amazing sense of humor and you make everyone laugh. On this trip I have also discovered that you are courageous, curious, and an amazing photographer who is able to capture the beauty in all things and all people. I am jealous of your remarkable ability to sleep.

Qur'an:

 

I have always admired you. Since your first day at Satellite, you have consistently been invested in your classes. This trip has only reaffirmed what I have always known. You are a brilliant young man full of gratitude, kindness, and humility. 

 

Angel:

 

Angel you know that I have always admired you and have told you that your name is the perfect description of you. You have also been a consistently excellent student since your first day of admission.  I will never forget our perfect attendance bungee jump at great adventures and now we will always have this experience too. You are Intelligent, kind hearted, with a wonderful sense of humor. 

 

Daniel:

Before the trip I knew you were a good student who was doing well in your classes and that you were always pleasant to talk to. What I learned during his trip is about how honest, serious, and kind you are.  I have seen you volunteer to help your peers in so many ways. For example: carrying the laundry bag in La Selva or immediately volunteering to be in a room for four students at river station. I am so grateful that we have shared this experience together. 

 

 

Bryan:

 

In your silence and serenity you speak volumes. You are a very mature young man with an incredible ability to listen. You choose your words carefully always sharing something that is well thought out and germain to our discussions. You capture people's attention when you speak. Your kindness and diplomacy are admirable. I know that you will excel at everything you choose to pursue.

 

Victoria:

 

I love your passion for life, your great singing voice, and your laughter.  I know that I can always count on you to lighten the mood and light up a room. On this trip I have seen you face your fears. Your belief in possibility and love inspires me.  

 

Genesis:

 

I know I picked on you lot on this trip. Truthfully, it is because I believe in you and want to push you to live up to your potential. On this trip, you have demonstrated your maturity by being self reflective, willing to admit your mistakes, and make amends. Your laughter has been contagious and it has been lots of fun traveling with you. I can't imagine this trip without you. 

Adrialis:

You are wise beyond your years.  You walk through life elegantly with a clear sense of self, commitment to your values, thirst for knowledge, and a grateful spirit. I feel so lucky that you joined our school and are with us here in Costa Rica.  I know that you are going to be successful in any direction you choose to go. 

 

Roger:

 

Roger you are wise beyond your years. You have a brilliant mind, a thirst for knowledge. You walk through life confident and self-assured. You are also an amazing writer.  I know that your life will unfold in incredible ways. I am so happy that you are a student in our school. 

Cristi:

I am so happy I got to travel with you because I had a chance to experience different sides of you. This trip would not have been the same without you. I appreciated you adventurous spirit, contagious love for the outdoors, your positive energy and support throughout the trip as well as all the blog you created and manage.

Ashley:

Spending time with you on this trip was very special. It is amazing to see your transformation from student at Satellite Academy High School to staff member. Your support leading up to and during this trip has been invaluable.

Paul:

Thank you for pushing me to launch our travel abroad program this year.   It was a lot of work, but well worth it. I appreciate the ways in which we balance each other out and the outstanding partnership we have had for nearly ten years. Thank you!

 

Part of a System

As our journey to beautiful Costa Rica almost comes to an end, I reflect on the lessons I have learned from my range of experiences in the country (staying at a beautiful hotel in San Jose, traveling all the way up to the tropical rinforest of La Selva and touring the Islands of Tortugero). At first, nights in the rainforest seemed tense and uncomfortable. Slowly things seemed to get a little more enjoyable. Meeting Dr. Carlos De La Rosa, who explained how Rain Forest at La Selva can benefit our lives as well as the world, was eye opening . We are all part of system and the rain forest is part of that system. I learned about that system through night walks, seeing animals I've never seen before, and studying Leaf Cutting Ants with my partner Quran. Studying how fast a Leaf Cutting ant can go from one destination to another. A simple two buddy project showed me that this wild life is almost just as smart as us. I believe that the living forest gave me an experience I never could've imagined. A memorable trip thanks to Satellite Academy. My only disappointment was not seeing the Leather Back Turtles of Tortugero. We walked for hours on the black sand beach but we were not able to find them. Studying Abroad really changed my life and I would love to travel the world some day thanks to this experience.