| As someone from Charleston, SC who had never left the state—let alone the country—our beach day in Bocas del Toro quickly became one of the most memorable and awe-inspiring experiences of my life. For someone used to brown-gray, misty coastlines, the dream of seeing turquoise-blue water had always felt a bit mythical. But that day, it became real.
It wasn’t just about studying abroad; it was about stepping into the kind of beauty I’d only ever seen online or in movies. That first glimpse of crystal-clear water felt like proof that the world is so much bigger, brighter, and more alive than I ever imagined. It was a perspective-shifting moment—one that made me feel small in the best and most humbling way. Even though it was a free day for my classmates and me, we still found ourselves naturally drawn to the themes of our course. Some stayed behind, soaking up the lively music and energy on shore, while others—myself included—felt the pull to explore further. That decision turned out to be one of the best I’ve ever made. We snorkeled beyond the beach, following a narrow path framed by mangroves. Beneath the surface, an entire sand floor came to life with cushion sea stars, coral, sponges, fish, invertebrates—and, to our amazement, a wild Southern stingray! That sighting, without question, was my favorite of the day. As a former South Carolina Aquarium educator, I’ve spent countless hours talking about stingrays—explaining their defense mechanisms, correcting misconceptions, and helping others understand their role in marine ecosystems. But seeing one in its natural habitat, wild and free, was an entirely different kind of connection. It wasn’t just informative—it was emotional, grounding, and freeing all at once. That moment, like so many others that day, reminded me that life holds so much more than what we’re used to. The mix of discovery, connection, and pure joy made it one of the best days of my life. And if this was just one day? I can’t wait to see what’s next! |
