Each student offered a snippet of a private journal entry.
That’s not to say I dislike the way Deerfield has a set schedule, but during this trip, everyday was something new. A new joke, a new meal, a new story, a new lesson, a new memory. I reconnected with nature again, I remembered how much I loved learning about the world and how wonderful it is. My curiosity burned brighter than ever as we explored caves, beaches of Bahamas, and the unpredictable ocean. My trip leaders inspired me to be curious and to get uncomfortable which helped me see things some people never experience in a lifetime. Thank you Mrs. RL and Mr. Gieske. Without you guys I wouldn’t have seen the sharks and the turtles; I would have let my own feelings stop myself from living my life to the fullest during this trip.
Artie ‘27
Having a routine back home, I never paid any attention to my surroundings. Everything seemed so monotonous and repetitive. In Eleuthera, however, the consistency in our schedule did not bore me at all. Every time I look toward the ocean I feel the same adrenaline as I did when we walked on campus for the first time five days ago.
Audrey ‘29
Being sustainable is very tough as it takes more conscious effort to conserve precious resources. Some of the practices that I found especially troubling would be aquaponic food growing with fish manure, or navy showers where we can only use the water for max 2 minutes, or using non disposable items such as no paper towels. These are all things that I did not realize had such a big impact on the environment and while I may not grow my lettuce with fish poop in the future, I will make efforts in other areas such as taking shorter showers and using reusable water bottles where ever possible.
Gavin ‘26
My fear of the ocean and what is below me, or the darkness when I don’t know what is around me, slowly started to vanish with all my experiences at the Island School. I learnt how to face my fears and find a middle ground with new opportunities and experiences.
Aicha ‘29
It was amazing how happy and electric the energy felt from the day I walked in on campus. I love saying hello to people and acknowledging others, but the level of happiness on campus was more than what I was used to seeing in the U.S. Joseph is one of the farmers I met, and his energy was one that naturally made me feel comfortable and happy to see someone so connected to everyone and look as if they were having fun all the time.
Precious ‘28
While in the island we met a man named Joseph, originally from Haiti but he has been leaving in the Bahamas for 25 years and working at the island school for 10. He was incredibly kind and outgoing, he taught me and a couple of my friends different words in his native language Creole. He also showed us how to eat coconuts and delayed his different work tasks to have a coconut party with us. Joseph is a perfect example of what the island school is and what it stands for, people from all different backgrounds coming together in a special place and forming a one-of-a-kind community.
Crosby ‘28
The main thing I am taking away from this trip is my love to try new things and how much I enjoy diving into a challenge. This trip also gave me a new love for the tropical climate and its beauty. Throughout the trip I tried my best to stay in the moment and really soak everything in and that is something I will definitely be taking back with me to Deerfield.
Aylen ‘28
Before my trip to the Island School, I used to think that living sustainably meant living within one’s means. My definition did not change. However, the meaning of needs did, and it opened my eyes to different ways of living. At the Island School, we did not use napkins; we ate fruits and veggies farmed on the property and animals slaughtered on the farms; we slept in beds made of trees around campus; and we used solar panels for electricity. At the Island School, I learned of many ways to upcycle and create sustainable options for my needs. I think that those bits of knowledge are valuable because I can now pitch a hand into building a better world.
Jaylen ‘27
Waking up before the sun rose and watching the sunset were daily activities. Throughout this week, we got to learn about many different species of fish, sharks, turtles, sea stars and much more, seeing some of these species up close while snorkeling. We learned about how the Island school grows some of their own greens and farms their own animals they use for the food they eat every day.
Charlotte ‘28
Living there showed me what it looks like to be part of the environment and helping it instead of just passing through it. One thing I’m taking home from the Island School is the idea of being “Where my feet are,” because when the world slowed down enough to notice the wind, the salt air, and the stars above the water, I realized how much I usually miss when I’m rushing through life.
Adwoa ‘29
Before Island School, I believed that sustainable living was not something that I would take back into my own life, but now I realize with time and dedication, I can change my way of living to benefit the world.
Alayna ‘28
