As I swim through a school of silvery tarpons, I see a manta ray nestled in the sand below me. Through the sparkling ocean haze, I soak in the breathtaking coral reef to my right and begin to circle it once again, my swim fins propelling me through the water. The vast abyss of the ocean to my left does not distract me while I focus on identifying the spectacular organisms swaying and swimming before my eyes. Finally, I resurface for air. The glory of Cheeca Rocks below me is still visible through the crystal water, and Indian Key, a ghost town island deserted since 1880, lies not to far from my snorkeling sight. After breathing in a few gulps of the salty sea air, I submerge once again below the waves.
Ok, so this is definitely a flashback to last summer. The palm trees, the greenish-blue water, the tropical fish, and gently swaying patches of seagrass are certainly not something you would see at Lake Baw Beese this time of year, or any time of year for that matter. These memories of marine biology will be with me forever and, as the year progresses and the weather becomes colder, I often reflect on my three-week stay on Long Key.
In fact, there is not a time when I remember the Hillsdale College marine biology trip without fondness and nostalgia, and I know my classmates— as well as those of years past—feel exactly the same way.
The J.N. Roth Marine Biology Station is endowed with a set of dormers, a lab, about an acre of palm-speckled land, the E. Jared Veldheer research vessel (donated by the Oakland Raiders player himself), and, of course, a set of kayaks. Students take morning classes in the lab and snorkel or collect specimens during the day. At night, between rounds of shark fishing — not mandatory, but highly recommended — students dedicate their lab time to a research project that analyzes the health of the Zane Grey Canal. There is also plenty of free time for running, fishing, sunbathing, and napping when students are not working or experiencing some of the Keys’ finest restaurants and sights, including a day trip to Key West.
Perhaps one of my favorite aspects of marine biology is the fact that it is open to all kinds of students. I find it amazing to watch students from a variety of majors experience the Keys’ beauty and diversity together, and there is nothing like studying in a warm, sunny environment after a long Michigan winter.
It is quite clear that marine biology alumni like me consider this trip the opportunity of a lifetime. But what is the best part for Doc Swinehart, our beloved marine biology professor who has been frequenting Long Key since 1987? His response:
“What I love most is that marine biology is an opportunity to see the practical value of the information learned in the classroom. Suddenly it becomes really exciting because you see the value of what you learn in class with real-world applications. There are no distractions for the students—no TV, no going out to bars. Just living and working together and playing together and focusing on one subject.”
And there you have it. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the college years, there still remains a haven for those desiring adventure, beauty, and education.
What are you going to do with your summer school experience?