I chose to study abroad in Belize for a variety of reasons. For one, I have never been abroad, and I figured it would be a good idea for my first time to be with a faculty-led study abroad program. Secondly, I wanted to spend my summer at the beach, so this would be the perfect opportunity. Finally, I am an avid spearfisherman, so I loved the idea of being able to spearfish invasive lionfish in a vulnerable ecosystem like the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. My goals for this program included learning as much as I can about the impact of invasive species on native ecosystems, as well as developing myself as a person. Since I would be in another country without anyone I had known previously, I saw this as a great opportunity to build my social skills. Through this experience, I would be able to make many completely new friends, meaning I could develop relationships that could last me for the rest of my life. To prepare for this adventure, I first researched everything about the program that I could find, followed by conducting research on lionfish in the area. I learned much about the impact they cause on the reef, as well as different methods currently being implemented to cull them and prevent their catastrophic impacts from being realized. After my research was at a point I deemed adequate, I was ready to start finding all the items on the long packing list. I bought the majority of them at Walmart and was ready to embark on this journey.
This image was taken by me on my first snorkel in Belize. It was exciting to finally see one of the hundreds of species this trip would bring me close to.