By Rachel Vachon
"In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue."
This sing-songy line might sound familiar, but for the Taylor Honors Guild, the lyric became more than a poem-it transformed into an experience on their two-week J-term trip to the Bahamas. The opportunity to witness the landing site of the historical explorer was just one of many activities in which the students took part.
Designed for the freshman honors students, the Bahamas team focused on learning about small-island sustainability and improving island environments. Students not only had the opportunity to learn about the Bahamian environment, economy and culture, but were able to participate in reflections and service-learning projects as well.
"We chose (the) Bahamas to focus on sustainability in the context of a small-island developing state and because we have such a strong connection through current students and alumni living in the Bahamas," said Mike Guebert, professor of geology and environmental science.
Before leaving for the trip, students prepared through reading, studying the Bahamian culture, serving at Victory Acres and taking the Lighthouse class and a portion of an environmental science class.
Upon arrival, the first segment of the trip was spent on the small island of San Salvador, where the students studied ecosystems and natural, marine and soil resources, according to Guebert. The group traveled to Nassau for the second part of their trip and looked at conservation, human ecology and climate change. The group also met with non-profit and educational organizations, as well as government agencies.
"Even just being aware of those kind of issues and getting that education I think has been one of the important developments from the trip," said freshman Annie Johnson concerning her educational experience.
Graduate student Armila Francis, who was also a TA for the class, added, "It was such a pleasure to be able to work with students who were so interested in the subject that they turned their environment into a perpetual learning experience."
For some students, the service-learning projects were as much of a learning experience as the educational opportunities. Sophomore Jessica Baide said picking trash such as car doors, television sets and more out of a river impacted her view on sustainability.
"As Christians, it matters what we do for the environment," Baide said. "The second thing I learned (is) that small actions really do matter. . . . This class taught me some practical ways I can really make a difference."
Taylor alumni were also involved with the students during their stay. The group engaged with alumni through learning activities and visiting their homes, providing a chance to connect and learn more. The team divided up one Sunday and went to church to spend the day with alumni who openly welcomed them.
Freshman Eric Croft summarized the impact the trip had on him. "This life is about so much more than me," he said. "I need to look to my neighbor and act with their best interest in mind, not just my own."
