While at the Virgin Islands, I want to explore as much as possible and snorkel or scuba dive any chance I get. Who knows when the next time I live next to coral reefs will be, so I want to take advantage of it while I can. The thing that excites me the most of studying away is the idea of being on an island for the entire semester. I have been on vacation to islands for a week or so at a time, but never lived there for a period of time. I’ve never been to the Virgin Islands, but I have heard great things about it and how it is a beautiful place. While the time will go by way to fast, I want to enjoy every day and appreciate everything I see.

I am hoping to either scuba dive a good bit on my own or join a lab that focuses on field work at coral reefs. I have been scuba diving since I was 12, so I love it and really want to explore the reefs around the island. The nice thing about St. Thomas is that a lot of reefs are just off the coast so you can snorkel when the conditions are right. If scuba diving gets to be too expensive (and it gets very expensive very quickly), snorkeling is free and only a couple of steps away. Considering my future career will be in marine ecology, the ability to see the reefs and the life around it will be unforgettable.