For spring break, I went on a study away trip to Friday
Harbor, Washington, a small town located in the San Juan Islands in the Salish
Sea. I spent a week at the Friday Harbor Laboratories run by the University of
Washington studying the history of the station, the marine biological life
studied by scientists, and the unique career paths that people take that bring
them to this beautiful island. I also made an incredible set of new friends and
discovered life beyond my comfort zone.
Before I went on this trip, I knew nothing about marine
biology. I did not consider myself an outdoorsy person at all. I liked
exploring busy cities, going to museums, and seeing musicals. I had heard that
this trip involved lots of hiking and time spent in the laboratory, and I
worried that it would be obvious that I was out of my element.
But my nerves at seeming out of place were unfounded. The
scientists at the labs and the residents of the island were incredibly
welcoming and warm. They recognized that the students on the trip were from all
different majors and backgrounds, and they emphasized the importance of
interdisciplinary work. We collected samples of small marine creatures from the
docks and observed how they suctioned on to hard and smooth surfaces in the
lab. I never knew it could be so fascinating and fun to play with starfish and
barnacles!
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| Collecting animals stuck to tires on the docks. |
I also did not realize how much I would enjoy hiking and
exploring the lab grounds. The beaches were rocky and the shores were steep,
but that did not deter our group from thoroughly exploring the island. We
scrambled over rocks, discovered caves, and climbed over fallen trees. At the
end of every day I was exhausted and muddy, but I feel asleep with a smile on
my face.
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| The view from the top of Mt. Constitution |
The greatest part of the trip was the other MSU students. We
were a diverse group—our majors ranged from international relations to
fisheries and wildlife to neuroscience, and our ages ranged from freshmen to seniors.
But throughout the week, we developed a supportive group dynamic and wonderful
friendships.
We learned about each other’s interests and majors, as well
as our backgrounds and families. We told stories as we made s’mores over a huge
fire and played board games and ping pong well into the night. On this trip, I
learned how to skip rocks and shoot pool. I also realized that the best people
to learn with and from are my fellow students.
What I really discovered on this trip was the purpose and
beauty of being in college. This trip forced me out of my comfort zone. I met
new people and had incredible experiences that made me a better person and
helped me focus on what was really important in my life. College is a time to
explore, and I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to travel to these
beautiful islands and push my own boundaries.
Claire
Sophomore
IR & SRP
