By: Maryn James, Public Relations and General Business student studying Advertising and Public Relations in the Caribbean
May12-19, 2024
Although my trip started off a bit rocky, I really couldn’t have been a more perfect first week. My week began with a plane delay, a missed flight, a night in Miami without luggage, and a late arrival to the island. However, the moment I set foot on the island, my spirits lifted, and I hit the ground running!
This week has been filled with making a ton of new friends and exploring our home for the month. I’d like to highlight my favorite moments from the week.
Catamaran Boat Day
This excursion was definitely one to remember. Being a boat enthusiast, I knew I was going to love this day. It was the perfect way to break the ice with everyone on the trip. We spent the day swimming, dancing, and enjoying the breathtaking views around the beautiful island. I even made an Instagram reel about the day, which can be found on the @uainthecaribbean Instagram page. It encapsulated many fun moments throughout the day, and I had such a great time putting it together. The combination of the sun, sea, and wonderful company made it an unforgettable experience.
Sailing Day
On Saturday, a few friends and I rented a sailboat in Orient Bay and set out to explore a little island nearby. This was my first time ever on a sailboat, and I absolutely loved it. While we were there, we discovered a huge stack of conch shells. It was, quite literally, one of the coolest things I have ever seen. I was so overwhelmed with happiness that I actually cried. After exploring the little island, we ventured into the town, visited the shops, and had dinner. Days like this are the most enjoyable for me because I love to explore new places and go on adventures. The sense of discovery was exhilarating, and sharing it with new friends made it even more special.
Workout Classes
Maintaining a good workout routine was something I wanted to incorporate into my study abroad trip. Thankfully, there’s a woman who runs workout classes right across the street from Sapphire. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning before class, I’ll be participating in these workout sessions. Taking these classes with locals has been a fantastic way to interact with people from the island. The sense of community and the opportunity to stay fit while enjoying the island lifestyle has been incredibly rewarding. It’s a wonderful way to start the day and energizes me for all the activities that follow.
As I reflect on this incredible week, I can’t help but feel immense gratitude. From the rocky start to the amazing adventures, every moment has been a part of this unforgettable journey. I’ve made new friends, experienced new things, and created memories that I will cherish for a lifetime. This island has already begun to feel like a second home, and I’m looking forward to what the next three weeks have in store.
Cheers to three more weeks of friendships, learning, sunshine, and unforgettable experiences! I’m already so grateful for every moment I’ve spent on the island so far, and I know these memories will last a lifetime. Whether it’s the thrill of sailing, the joy of a boat day, or the simple pleasure of a workout class, each experience has added to the richness of this adventure. Here’s to many more amazing moments!