Our last day on campus started off with our final test of the class! Last night, we all worked hard to memorize the marine mammal and invertebrate phylums and classes, as well as conch research and proper diving techniques in preparation for the trip. Even though we didn’t get a mint during the test (a staple marine science treat) we all did well and got fun cinnamon scented stickers. After the test, we watched a movie about Ernest Shackleton and his journey to Antarctica with 22 other men. His story, of overcoming numerous obstacles in artic weather for seventeen months and still returning with his full crew alive (although human popsicles), provided us with a new perspective on the infamous run-swim and other challenges we will face in the Bahamas.
Ernest Shackleton and his crew survive mayhem!
After watching the inspiring movie, we made our way over to ramp to discuss our homework reading. “The Rediscovery of North America” explained the impact Christopher Columbus and his crew had on the indigenous people. Following a hefty discussion, the class had a general consensus that they could have handled the situation in a different manner.
Returning to the classroom, Ms. Post and Mr. Daly showed our class the videos compiled by previous Marine Science students to get us pumped for tomorrow morning! Watching these videos made the class realize how soon the trip actually is!
Early tomorrow morning (4 AM to be exact) we will meet at the Hawken Lower School to get on a bus headed to the airport. But before we can wake up at that pleasant hour, we have to pack our sunscreen, rash guards, and water shoes into our suitcases. Packing will be a little bit of a challenge; the Island School does not provide sheets or blankets, so we have to fit those into our bags, while still keeping under the 50 lbs limit.
Having a half day today made saying goodbye to friends and teachers a challenge as they are still in class, but we are making it work. Since we will be in the Bahamas until 9 PM on the 18th, this is our last day on campus before winter break! It feels surreal.
As we walked out of the classroom at the end of the day, comparing the times we will be going to sleep tonight- 8 PM for some, 10 or 12 for others, and some adventurous people who don’t plan on going to sleep at all- we realized the trip we have been talking about since the first day of school has finally arrived, and we couldn’t be more excited!!
See ya on the flip side!
Vicky and Fiona :)
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