Student of the Day

So each student here (27 of us) has to be what is called "student of the day" one time while we are here, and today was my day. It was not the greatest to say the least! Nash, you would have called me Molly if you saw what I did all day ;) Basically, I was a maid to everyone here. I had to wake up earlier than everyone else and set the tables and get all of the food ready (as well as for lunch and dinner). I had to clean all the dishes and the kitchen/dining area after each meal. I stocked and restocked snacks and the fridge constantly throughout the day. I also had to make numerous trips with water jugs refilling our water supply. I didn't stop cleaning unless I was in lecture or out in the water for lessons! But, at least my shift is over now and I won't have to do it again :)

As far as the lecture part of my day, I am actually going to give you all a brief overview of the lessons I learned. The class title was called "Marine Protected Areas: Turks and Caicos Socio-Economic History". There were no marine science lectures today, but obviously I thought this was just as interesting if I'm typing it for you to read! The lecture was all about the history here on the Islands. One thing I thought was cool is how the TCI (Turks and Caicos Islands) got their name. The "Turks" is from pirate history, because the lands were the perfect stop/hangout/hide-out spot from 1520-1720 when the land was depopulated for 200 years. Once it was finally taken over by the Bermuda population they had found a pirate map that had scribbled over the Islands location: "Where the Turks assemble". The pirates were referring to themselves as "Turks". As far as "Caicos", it is not as interesting, it was named by a Pope who was referring to a specific cactus. But anyway, that is how the TCI were named, I thought it was crazy how something so insignificant (scribbling on a pirate map) can give rise to a name that sticks for hundreds of years after. Another cool thing I learned (which occurred before the naming of the Islands) was that it was the TCI that Columbus had reach in 1492 when he got lost (although as I'm sure you know he didn't realize he was lost and thought he reached his final destination: The West Indies). Actually, Columbus misidentified everything he came across, and he even died not knowing how unfortunate and incorrect his "discoveries" really were! So, there is a little historical background of where I am staying...now back to the marine life :)

Today I went on the first field ID session where we took a look in person at the plants, algae, mangrove, and coral we learned about yesterday. Even though I was only looking at basic plants, it was still so awesome! I was surprisingly able to identify some of them before the teacher had to tell us their scientific names. I know that may sound easy, but when you are dealing with names such as Thalassia testudinum, Syringodium filiforme, and Rhizophora mangle, it gets difficult. For the exam, which is on Monday, I have to know more than 50 organisms with names like these and I get marked for incorrect spelling too. The following week I have to do it all over again too, except with fish species instead of plants. Good thing I'm interested in this stuff! :) The best part of my day was on the snorkel dive because of what I saw. Normally, as you pass by fish in the water they all swim away. As I was going by a small black fish (I do not know the common or scientific name for it yet) I noticed how it was not moving for me and how freakishly it was guarding the conch shell it was by. So I decided to take a closer look, and as I looked down into the shell, I could see the entire inside was full of fish eggs! :) It was the neatest thing I have ever seen. It was just like Finding Nemo how Coral (Nemo's mom) guards here baby eggs when the predator fish comes. The black fish was just freaking out (being a mom) and guarding her babies, it was the most adorable thing ever!!! :) I have definitely learned how important it is to be fully aware of what is going on in the water because it is so easy to miss out on some of the prettiest or magnificent organisms!

Well, that was the summary of my day, besides dinner and a sustainability meeting after. Now I plan to study more scientific names before I fall asleep. I have a long day ahead of me tomorrow, two field ID sessions again for some more in person learning. Have a great night everyone!

P.S. Sorry, no pictures for today!!

<3Bryn