This last week was very emotional for everyone. For the past 5.5 weeks, I have met some of the most incredible people. The professors I sat under, the boat captains and crew who was patient with me, and of course: my fellow adventurers! It was strange this morning waking up with no itinerary for the day. I had no samples to collect, no backpack to shove supplies in, and no Chacos to tighten! I came into this class with an open mind, I was not sure what to expect. I did not expect to learn, grow, and sweat as much as I did (seriously, I did not think my body could sweat THAT much). As I reflect into the last five weeks, I realize how amazing the world of marine science is. I know what makes me passionate and the field I wish to pursue, but I now understand others passion. I see why taking geological core samples is exciting. I know the patience behind surveying shoreline birds. And I certainly know the time taken into open ocean research. I loved every specialization thrown our way purely because of the passion within our instructors. 
This past week at UWF posed its own challenges and rewards. Firstly, the stress of our final projects followed us to every field site. I could not relax without thinking of possible hypotheses to prepare. Secondly, we dived deeper into our understanding of watersheds. It was particularly interesting for me because I call Pensacola home. I found myself intentionally looking at my surroundings. Olive Road was not just a road I drove past to school, it was a thriving ecosystem with depth that I had never considered. That in itself is a reason why this course was so amazing: it took us to our home universities and said, “Look beyond what you think you know and immerse yourself in new discoveries.”
This course could not be what it was without my amazing peers. For five weeks, we stayed in tight quarters with one another and naturally became as close as the bunk beds at FGCU. Each person brought their own dynamic to the group that allowed for a reliable and safe environment. Being a social butterfly myself, I loved watching friendships blossom. It was the most wholesome experience having to cook and clean our meals. As Georgia mentioned, although we had separate rooms some days, our group sought one another after class hours. I will forever be grateful for the wonderful students involved. You all have taught me so much! I wish I could spend more time with all of you. I know the last day was hard, nearly bringing me to tears, but I genuinely love each and every one. I cannot wait to see your names on publications changing the world for the better!
To the OCB 3108 student reading this, I have some advice: Wear sunscreen!! These tan lines will scar me for life! More seriously though, do not expect a vacation. You will sweat, bleed (hopefully not), and tired. It’s hard work but you will forever be grateful. You will want to stop to rest but your peers will push you to be strong. You will meet some amazing people and I hope you hold nothing back. I hope you take a lot of pictures!
A HUGE thank you to all the faculty at UNF, KML, FGCU, USFSP, and UWF. Without your passion, leadership, and willingness to guide us these five weeks, we would be stuck in regular lectures hearing stories of scientists whose lives we could only imagine. I cannot fathom the effort it took to make this course possible but you are appreciated.
Thank you to all the staff, captains, cooks, and officials who took time out of their schedules to guide us into the fields of marine research!
Thank you Florida Institute of Oceanography for providing the scholarships and housing! This course has been the best thing I have done. I hope you continue this class for many years, it will benefit countless lives. You made 16 more lives passionate about ocean science and lit fires beneath all of us.
Thank you to everyone who funded my trip! I wouldn’t be here without you. You helped me grow beyond expectations and I hope I can make you proud!
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