One thing our group prioritized as a value was the sense of community we built with one another. Most of us arrived on this trip as strangers, but we left as best friends. Academically, we pushed each other to ask questions and think about biological concepts in new ways. This photo was taken on our second full day, when we traveled from San Ignacio to San Pedro. The rooms surrounding the pool are the dorms where we stayed, and we gathered by the pool within minutes of arriving at the research center. Over the next two days, we spent much of our free time together in this space, talking, relaxing, and reflecting on what we were experiencing.
On this trip, we learned that we could accomplish so much more together. We climbed ruins, canoed the Sibun River, saw more wildlife than we thought possible, and even snorkeled with nurse sharks. More importantly, we encouraged each other to step outside of our comfort zones and fully engage with each experience. These shared moments strengthened our sense of community and made the experience more meaningful. This photo represents our values because it captures not only what we did, but how we supported one another in learning, growing, and fully engaging with the trip.
