Programs Blog

Friday, September 27, 2024

Location: B Cottage, Sea Education Association, Woods Hole, Massachusetts

Weather: 68°F and partly cloudy

Hi there! My name is Madeleine Chapman, but most people call me Maddie—or simply “the girl obsessed with sharks.” I’m a biology major and environmental studies concentrator at Kenyon College, and today, I’m reflecting on the past five incredible weeks I’ve spent on campus at the Sea Education Association (SEA) in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Throughout this time, we’ve delved deep into the intricacies of marine ecosystems, but one aspect stands out above all: the people. Our SEA group has become more than just a cohort—we’re a vibrant, interdependent community, like a human coral reef.

Much like a coral reef, where each species plays a vital role in the ecosystem’s health and balance, each person in our SEA program brings their own unique qualities, skills, and perspectives, enriching our shared experience. Think of the sixteen of us as different types of coral, each contributing something essential to the whole.

First, we have the branching corals—Hatuey, Emma, Raquel, and Arthur—the ones who always reach out first, connecting people and ideas, building the initial framework of our group’s dynamic. Then there are the boulder corals—Jeff, Sophia, Willow, and Kelsei—our anchors, whose steady presence grounds us through the toughest challenges. Next, our soft corals—Isabella, Mira, Quinn, and Avery—who gracefully sway with the current, finding joy in every moment, reminding us to be flexible and enjoy the ride. And finally, the plate corals—Kiera, Anika, and Tim—who are all about stability, bringing us together on the shared “plate” of community to keep us balanced. And then there’s me—what am I? I think I’m more like the energizer fish that brings life and movement to the reef, eager to dive into every experience. Our program assistant, Talia, though, is undoubtedly the cleaner wrasse. She’s the one keeping everything in check, always boosting our spirits and making sure our community functions like a well-oiled machine.

Like the symbiotic relationships found in a coral reef, we’ve learned to rely on and support each other. Late-night study sessions in the cottages, fueled by gummies, cookies, and mutual panic, have become a staple. Team projects challenge us to blend our diverse skills and perspectives, and shared struggles have forged unbreakable bonds. Just as coral adapts to changing ocean conditions, we’ve grown and adapted together—overcoming homesickness (soon to be seasickness), learning to navigate both the open ocean and the complexities of marine science, and discovering strengths in ourselves that we didn’t know we had (like surviving cabin life with seven roommates!).

The beauty of coral reefs lies in their diversity, and our SEA group is no different. The vibrant “colors” of our varied backgrounds, majors, and interests, the “textures” of our unique ways of approaching problems and thinking creatively, and the “patterns” that emerge when we work together, each collaboration bringing new discoveries, whether scientific or personal, all contribute to our rich community ecosystem.

As we prepare to leave campus and board the Robert C. Seamans, I’m struck by how much we’ve become like the ecosystems we’ve studied—fragile in some ways, resilient in others, and infinitely valuable. Just as coral reefs need protection and care, I know we’ll work to preserve the connections we’ve built here. While the academic knowledge I’ve gained at SEA is priceless, it’s the human ecosystem we’ve created that I’ll treasure most.

To my family, friends, and everyone who supported this journey, thank you for being the nourishment that has helped me and our human coral reef flourish. Your encouragement has been invaluable as we’ve grown together in this unique environment. Here’s to the incredible voyage ahead!

Staying true to myself, I gotta throw a little shark joke in here: 

How did the hammerhead shark do on his test? 

He nailed it!