Programs Blog

Author: Caitlin Krauth, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry

Today is our last day on Beqa Island. We’ve spent two days in Naiseuseu Village, integrating into the culture and getting our butts kicked at volleyball. We enjoyed the slow life, taking each moment in and truly appreciating the time we have, learning that life is not what happens to us, it’s what we make it.

After our village stay, we spent another two days at Lawaki Beach House with Helen Sykes conducting Reef Check surveys and exploring the protected area with plenty of fish and a shark to guide us.

Yesterday was a testament to teamwork. As we finished our timed fish surveys a storm rolled in, creating large waves we struggled against. Careful listening, strong swimming, and keeping tired divers afloat landed us all back to shore safely with only one lost fin.

It’s bittersweet to leave Beqa. We have grown closer as friends and shared the strangest bits of our lives with each other. This place has become so influential in my life, and it will be sad to leave, but great adventures await us at sea.

Thank you to the people of Naiseuseu who made us feel so welcome in their homes and to Christine and the Lawaki Beach House staff who have given us an incredible stay. To Helen, who so fabulously guided us through the reefs and turbulent waters.

And to my family, who are supporting me through this adventure all the way back home, I’ll be sure to take my adventure buddies with me next time!

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