Programs Blog

October 21, 2024 

Location: St. Croix, USVI 

Weather: 90˚ F, partly cloudy 

Hi everyone (again), 

My name is Jeremy; I am a rising Junior at Pitzer College majoring in environmental science with a potential double major in geology. I’ve always dreamed of becoming a marine biologist, but finally, being on the field component of the Coral Reef Conservation Caribbean program in Saint Croix feels surreal. While we are wrapping up our time in Saint Croix, I want to thank all the fantastic people, groups, and organizations that genuinely made our 13 days spectacular.  

First, a huge thank you to Ginger, the owner of Northside Valley Villas. We stayed there for the first five days of our stay in Saint Croix. I will not lie; those days were swelteringly hot, but Ginger’s hospitality and amazing rustic but well-appointed homes were quite the kick-off to our trip. Ginger, thank you for the tour of the property, which showcased her commitment to sustainability and innovative engineering using local materials. She learned all her agricultural, building, and cooking skills from her parents, which is impressive since much of what she eats and uses comes directly from her property.   

Next, the biggest shout-out goes to Corina and Ryan, the owners of the Feather Leaf Inn. I was lucky enough to have my room at the Feather Leaf Inn, so I may be biased, but the property was truly spectacular. Corina and Ryan have been able to preserve the grim historical legacy of the Feather Leaf Inn while converting it into a beautiful hotel. Ryan, thank you for showing us around the property. Your commitment to preservation and sustainability at the Feather Leaf Inn is truly inspiring for all of us at SEA. Also, Ryan got our van out of a ditch 1 hour before our departure flight, so he is basically Superman. Corina, thank you for showing us your impactful, vital work on coral reef restoration at Butler Bay. The dedication you have to organizing conservation groups around Saint Croix to save reefs is admirable. Lastly, thank you both for being such gracious hosts, always making sure we were well-fed, recommending and connecting us with different people and groups around Saint Croix, and lastly, for letting us stay at such a one-of-a-kind hotel. We are so sad to be leaving, but we will be sure to continue on the tracks you have laid for sustainability and conservation.  

Next, Diane, thank you so much for the delicious vegan food at the Feather Leaf Inn. Yes, you heard that correctly: from a self-proclaimed seafood and meat lover, Diane’s vegan food is out of this world. Everything from the lasagna to tacos to pancakes was so good, and everything was vegan. I have never thought about transitioning to veganism, but Diane, you may have swayed me, which is literally the biggest compliment I can give.    

Professor Olasee Davis, you are the most extraordinary person ever. Before I say thank you, which is most definitely not enough, Professor Davis took 4 hours out of his day to come to sit down with our group and talk about the history of Saint Croix and the impacts of the Plantation Complex, then as if that was not enough, he took us on a somber, yet incredible hike of Maroon Ridge, a sacred place of enslaved people on Saint Croix, and their descendants. Professor Davis was so knowledgeable about the history of Saint Croix and the flora and fauna, which combined to create an unforgettable experience. Professor Davis, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. I truly hope one day, our paths will cross again because Saint Croix would not have been as educational or impactful without you.   

We had the privilege of chatting with Elisa McKay at the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts, a gallery with pieces by Ms. McKay. Hearing about the life of an artist who has lived so long in Saint Croix and the methods and mediums she chooses to present her experiences was so interesting. Ms. McKay, thank you so much for speaking with us; your art and experiences gave me a completely different perspective than every other guest speaker we had the pleasure of talking to.  

As previously stated, I want to be a marine biologist, but beyond that, I have no idea; however, Kelcie, Courtney, Alex, and Jendahye have got it all figured out. Learning about each of your different paths to get to a similar career within marine sciences is so interesting to all of us. Learning about different graduate programs, internships, and research opportunities is always so helpful. Thank you so much for speaking with us about your career track. We hope our careers can turn out as fruitfully as each of yours. Also, a special extra thanks to Kelcie and Alex for having us at the headquarters for the marine protected area they run and manage; yes, just the two of them manage an entire marine protected area, insane respect. If you’re looking for some extra help, though, give a shout my way!  

To be quite honest, I usually find walking tours pretty boring, but Celeste has mastered the art of a walking tour. Her knowledge of Frederiksted and connection within the local community was indeed something to see. Also, Celeste bulldozed her way through a 3-hour walking tour in what felt like 100-degree heat and 100% humidity, never once sitting down. Celeste, your love for Saint Croix is so endearing. Thank you for your tour and for sharing your unrivaled knowledge of Frederiksted and Frederiksfort with all of us.  

Someone who works all day and all night in the hopes of making our oceans a better place will always get my utmost respect. Even more, taking two hours out of your busy schedule to talk and eat dinner with us is so kind. Matt, thank you for talking with us about the field of marine sciences, the importance of letting things fall into place, and how vital reaching out and networking can be. We all valued your time and advice so much; thank you.  

On Saint Croix, we had the privilege of aiding baby sea turtle hatchlings from their nest to the ocean at Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge. ‘I would take baby sea turtles over puppies’ is a bold statement, I know. This amazing excursion would not have been possible without our very own SEA alumna Sabrina, and Ellie, her passionate turtle colleague.  They were both so good at making the educational side of sea turtle monitoring palatable and interactive for our entire group. Thank you, Sabrina and Ellie, for giving us an unforgettable experience. I hope one day I get to work a job as superb as yours, and I wish you the best of luck that more leatherbacks come to Sandy Point next year.  

Olivia, thank you so much for walking us around the Southgate Coastal Reserve. Your knowledge, journey, and commitment to preserving vital coastal land on Saint Croix are all so admirable.  Understanding your cool career path, filled with fruitful backpacking trips and educational opportunities, is so valuable for inspiring conservationists like us. We wish you the best of luck in the future and hope that turtle-safe benches are put in place and boulders don’t mysteriously move!  

If you ever need energy in your life, Semoya at the Nature Conservancy is the person for you. Semoya, your passion for corals, even as tiny polyps, makes me smile while writing this very message. It is calming knowing that potentially going into a coral reef field, there are other scientists still filled with energy and optimism for the future. Thank you Semoya for showing us the coral restoration facility on St. Croix; it would indeed be an honor and privilege to ever get to work in such an impactful and cutting-edge restoration facility like the Nature Conservancy’s.  

Whoa, okay, as you can see, there are lots of thank yous, all of which are 1,000% deserved. Now that Saint Croix is over, which is so sad, we are on to Anguilla. I am more than excited about getting into the water and seeing the differences in marine life. Obviously, we will keep all you cool people reading our blogs updated, so stay on your toes.  

Oh, and one last thank you. How could I forget Craig, Heather, Sydney, and Sukanya? The in-field component would be nothing without you four. While I know I unequivocally cause all of you the least headaches out of the seven students, I am nonetheless so thankful for each of you. All four of you are our knights in shining armor until we start to play the card game ‘Presidents,’ then you are my enemy, but every other time, you four are the best. Thank you for everything you do for this program, it does not go unnoticed.