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.

Another Begins

Satellite Academy has been a new chapter in my life. One where I can work to redeem myself and try to erase my mistakes. But I quickly learned that it's not about erasing your mistakes, but accepting them as a part of you. We're not perfect but we're not our mistakes either. It makes up who we are. We learn from them. I know that thanks to Satellite. I have Steve and Paul to thank for this amazing experience. Words can't begin to describe how incredibly grateful and honored I am that I was chosen to be a part of it. This experience has been nothing but awesome in every sense of the word. I had a chance to immerse myself in rigorous research as well as getting a little R&R. My hero in this trip was Dr. Carlos De La Rosa. Getting to know about him and his research was fascinating. It makes me want to become a scientist. He is definitely an inspiration.

I can hardly fathom the idea that I had a chance to go to Costa Rica. It was different from what I expected. It broadened my view on this world as a student and as a person. I thank Steve and Paul for choosing me to go on this trip. I'm so incredibly happy that you had a chance to see your ideas manifest themselves and I hope that you continue to take students around the world. It proves that education doesn't only take place in a classroom, but anywhere in the world. Even in the most exotic places, there's something to learn. It makes us richer in character and it gives us a chance to explore this beautiful world that not many individuals get to do. To our supporters, I thank you as well. You have given a student, like me, a beautiful experience. It has impacted my life and I will take it and remember it for the rest of my life.

In closing thoughts, this trip was nothing like I thought it would be. I bonded with my fellow scholars and I had a chance to see a different side of them. I also had a chance to see a different side of myself. One that is adventurous and hungry for knowledge. Satellite marked a new chapter in my life and this trip is only one of the many beautiful stories that is written in it. I know that many more will come with these amazing and inspiring individuals.

Coming To A Close

As The End Of This Trip Nears, I Would Like To Acknowledge How Much I Respect and Admire My Peers. Together We've Pushed Through Our Comfort Zone, and Were Able To Come Together Share Ideas and Make Connections. During My Time At La Selva Biological Station I Was Given The Chance Be One Of The Most Intriguing Scientists I've Ever Encountered. My Time Shared With Dr. Dr. De La Rosa Was Truley Inspiring. I Admire His Dedication To His Studies, I Can Only Hope To Be As Respected as Him In My Feild Of Work. Never In My Wildest Dreams Could I Have Imagined Such an Experience I Look Forward To Expanding On My Research in The Rain Forest. 

Life In the Rainforest

This whole experience in Costa Rica has been so surreal. I keep asking myself "Am I really in Costa Rica?". Staying at the La Selva Biological Research Station and meeting Scientists like Dr. Carlos De La Rosa has Given me a new outlook on what it is like to live in the rainforest full time. Together we experienced waking up at 5 am, living in the humidity, Being away from technology, enjoying pitch black night walks, living in cabins with insects, showering in freezing cold water, sweating every minute, and working / studying for 16 hours per day. This was all amazing to me and an experience that is completely different from anything I have experienced before. Study abroad to Costa Rica has truly opened my eyes.

HOWL!

Minutes before sunrise, the howls of monkeys echoing through the forest stir me from a deep slumber.  My mind flashes to my first encounter with our primate cousins fifteen years ago when I visited the lush rainforests of Costa Rica here at the La Selva Biological Research Station.  I am now here with ten students and my excitement is as palpable as it was all those years ago when I first visited this wondrous place.  I am excited to introduce my students to the magical experience of trekking through the rain forest as the animals greet the dawn.   Our team is investigating how the frequency of howler monkey calls changes within our study period.  We leave the River Station cabins, which are nestled within the interior of the rainforest, to follow the calls of the majestic howler monkeys (g. Alouatta sp. Palliata).  Through the darkness we follow the piercing calls which dominate the tranquil morning.  After hiking for twenty minutes with our eyes glued to the tree tops, we get our first glimpses of our intended subjects.  There is some movement in the canopy!  We spot one, then two, and then another.  We have found a troop of howlers and they have spotted us.  Their calls suddenly change to grunts reminiscent of those of chimpanzees.  They don’t seem pleased with humans intruding on their breakfast.  The females and babies travel further away from us as four males descend closer for a closer look.  Holwer monkeys are territorial and have been known to pee on folks who attempt to get to close.  We spot two males directly above vigorously shaking branches scattering leaves and twigs all around us.  One of the males falls from the tree not ten feet from us and quickly scurries back up a tree.  Invigorated, we head back to camp not wanting to disturb these creatures any further.  This experience leaves us with more questions than answers as it is often the case in science.   We are also left with memories and connections to the natural world that will last forever.

The World is a Living Breathing Book

Every institutions should be able to work from anywhere on the planet via access to travel and technology. Every family, not only families with the means to spend thousands of dollars to take their kids abroad during vacations, should be able to see the world. 

I remember as a kid my own family vacations where camping adventures mostly because that is what we could afford and bigger vacations meant that my parents had to save money all year long. Even then we all had to pile into the family station wagon and drive cross country because the flights were too expensive. It wasn't until college when I realized I could earn credit in a study abroad course and have it paid through my tuition that I was able to board a plane and leave mainland United States. Ever since, I take every opportunity to satisfy my wanderlust mostly because I want to understand the big picture and have a broader, more balanced worldview.

Through travel, I hope our students become global citizens empowered by exposure, connections and cultural understandings. During this trip, our group met a childhood friend of the President of Costa Rica and she said, "someone like you needs to talk to him" following a conversation our group had with her about agriculture (banana plantations) and the train system in this country. 

Our students are local activists. In New York City, students have participated in many events including the climate change march and peaceful protests against police brutality cases. So you can imagine my delight visualizing Satellite Academy student voice being heard globally in an attempt to problem solve and offer international solutions. When we return, I hope students take on more opportunities to act locally while thinking globally. 

This I know: Life is meant to be experienced not just talked about in a classroom.  In life, we need to know how to navigate, use our voices and make sense of different environments. The world is a classroom. 

Let's shift the idea of what school looks like by utilizing what we already know about the benefits of experiential learning and technology. The traditional model of school in a brick and mortar building with a teacher delivering information and students being assessed by a test is a narrow vision of what it means "to know." 

I believe in walking right through artificial barriers, breaking through barriers of injustice, jumping on a plane, going to other countries and becoming a global learner.

"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page" ~Saint Augustine

Inspired

Meeting Dr. Carlos De La Rosa was a captivating experience. Learning about him, his work and even collecting samples with him in the river was fascinating. My friends and I were very intrigued by his passion and mastery. I intend to attend medical school and to pursue my dream of becoming a doctor. I know that the time spent working with and learning from Dr. De La Rosa has inspired me and given me a tiny glimpse into the rigorous work that awaits me. 

Family

What greater thing is there for human souls than to feel that they are joined for life – to be with each other in silent unspeakable memories. – George Eliot

One Chapter Ends...

During my time here in La Selva Biological Station, I have learned a tremendous amount about the wildlife. We have learned about Bats and Howler Monkeys to Iguanas and Snakes. Each of these animals, even the smaller ones, have a significant role to play in this ecosystem. Some might say it's balanced while others disagree, displaying the beauty of science and clashing theories. 

Moreover, science is about overcoming fears and venturing into the unknown. I have faced many fears while going into the unknown. We have all gone outside of our comfort zones only to find that it's necessary to grow as a person and to broaden our views on our world. We can make connections between this ecosystem and what we learn in school, as well as what happens in our every day lives. For example, a small act of kindness can create a chain and feed the spirit of Satellite Academy. La Selva has left me awestruck and it has been a rejuvenating experience for the mind, body, and soul. I feel connected to nature and my school community more because of this study abroad.

Bat Nets

Tonight we captured bats with PhD student Hernani Oliveira. He is studying the diet of bats by analyzing the DNA in their feces. You can see his amazing pictures here: www.flickr.com/hernanif 

The fruit bat we observed tonight was pregnant. We learned that when the mother gives birth she either flies with her baby holding on which takes a lot of energy. She may also leave the baby with other females as bat "babysitters" or just leaves the baby alone in a tree branch if she has no other option. Male bats don't stick around for child rearing.

We also closely observed the bat wing structure and saw the bones of the wing are similar to the bones in a humans arm and fingers. They are the only flying mammals. Usually bones are heavy in mammals, but in this species the bones are light and hollow to help them fly.

Trick, Track, Trek Howler Monkey Antics

This morning we tracked a group of howler monkeys trekking and they pulled some tricks on us. We have an amazing video to show what happened after they attempted to surround and ambush us. Stay tuned!

Apparently, when howler monkeys feel threatened by humans who enter their territory the males become aggressive. Today, the monkeys went into the tree canopies over our heads and shook the branches. At that point leaves and branches fell to the ground around us and the monkeys urinated above us. That liquid that splattered from the treetops wasn't rain!

Brian and Roger collected data on the frequency and type of howler monkey calls in 2 minute intervals for 40 minutes, but the study was abruptly ended due to monkey antics.

Student Field Study Experiences

Students were surprised when they found out that we have Wi-Fi in the cabins at La Selva Biological Station.  However, they are so engaged with nature that no one really has their phones out except for taking videos and pictures of the experiences in the forest. 

In the last six months at La Selva, the parataxonomist has identified over 50 new aquatic species that may lead to further research around the world. Today, we collected water samples and if a new species is found from our efforts the scientist said it would be named after Satellite Academy or one our student scholars. We are taking part in exciting and cutting edge research. Students are acting as field scientists. I am so proud of them and I can see on their faces that they are proud of themselves as well. 

So if we don't update you as frequently as you would hope,  please be patient. Students have some rich and interesting thoughts ruminating and scientific discoveries to share.  We have set time aside each day to reflect and journal. However, our ability to connect to technology is limited by an ambitious schedule.  Tonight, we are studying bats until 10pm and will be up again at 5am to go back into the field for howler monkey observations.  You will get to hear about it all. Signing off now to bond with each other, collect scientific data and experience the outdoor classroom.

La Selva

Having spent only one day in La Selva I feel as if I have been here for a week. The animals I have seen and the stuff I have learned only made this experience even better. I really enjoyed being woken up at 5am by howling monkeys and even seeing two of them up close. I came to La Selva with a mindset of yucky bugs and slimy snakes and after only spending a day here my fears have disappeared and I actually find it silly that I was so terrified of these creatures to begin with. I look forward to seeing more animals and learning new things. More to come. 

DISCOVERY

On our quest to find the undiscovered, we went in search of the skin left behind by microinvertebrates in the streams and rivers. We got wet as we had to get into the stream, but we were glad to because of the heat. We learned the process of collecting and preservation of the samples. Over all it was a great experience and a long day, which is not over. Stay tuned and we will keep you posted ❤️☺️ Where will we go next?? ☀️☀️