To me, The Island School seems like a great opportunity in numerous areas. I will learn about other cultures; meet new people with different backgrounds; interact with nature on a much more intense level than ever before; and learn about the environment and conservation, all while having a good time in the process. I am looking forward to learning to scuba dive, going on long kayak trips and really getting in great shape. I am very interested in the “Reef Projects” as I prefer to learn by actually doing something instead of passively reading about it. However, I have to say that I am somewhat apprehensive, as well. I have never been away from my family for more than two weeks. Now, I am going to spend three months with more than 50 people who I have never met in a new country over 1000 miles from home.

At home, I am involved in a lot of sports, including soccer, swimming, surfing and tennis. I also love music. I am currently in a rock group called “Plan B”. I play the drums in the band. My family consists of my mother, Susan; my father, Steven; my older brother, Ben, 17, who attended The Island School two years ago; and my younger sister, Julie, who is 9 years old. Finally, we have a dog named Fritz, who is a 110-pound retriever mix.

Overall, I have to say that I very much look forward to attending The Island School and hope that it is as good as I imagine it to be.