We are back from our trip! During my time in Trinidad, I had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in a variety of meaningful experiences, each leaving a lasting impression on me. I’d like to share a few highlights that stood out to me.
One of the coolest experiences was joining Nature Seekers’ beach patrol to help protect and tag turtles. On Tuesday night, our group gathered up, high on excitement (and probably a little bug repellent). Before we headed onto the beach, we got a solid rundown on tagging and all things turtles, something everyone at Nature Seekers is very passionate about. The beach patrol team was divided into smaller groups, and we had the pleasure of teaming up with Tiara, a passionate and knowledgeable guide who is around our age. Although that night we were met with the disappointment of not spotting any leatherbacks, the experience was far from lacking in value. Tiara poured her heart into educating us about these incredible sea turtles, while also making a point to get to know us on a personal level. The camaraderie we built with Tiara and the other members of Nature Seekers was significant, filling the evening with excitement and purpose. We loved it so much that we went out again the next night!
Another unforgettable experience was our exploration of the nature trails in Matura, guided by the famous Anderson. As we hiked, we found ourselves surrounded by the rich biodiversity Trinidad has to offer. Anderson, with his engaging storytelling and extensive knowledge of the flora and fauna, captivated us at every turn. He highlighted unique plants, nuts, and beans, pointing out their medicinal uses and the vital roles they play in their community. His passion for the environment not only made the experience thoroughly educational, but also immensely entertaining, as we laughed and marveled together amidst the incredible scenery.
In addition to this, a significant highlight was the opportunity to sit down with Chelsea and delve into our progress on the project. Meeting her in person fostered a deeper understanding of both her vision and the specific needs of Nature Seekers. The conversation was not only productive but also enriching, as we explored insights that could shape the direction of our collaboration moving forward.
Lastly, I must highlight our visit to Fondes Amandes, an NGO passionate about bush and forest fire prevention as well as biodiversity conservation. There, we met the talented Akilah Jaramogi, who crafts stunning jewelry that captures the essence of Trinidad’s natural beauty and rich heritage/spirituality. As she shared her artistic process, I was genuinely fascinated by the way she draws inspiration from her surroundings, translating the island’s natural materials into her creations. Additionally, we met Kemba who guided us on an insightful tour of their impressive facilities, which included a hike to their fire tower that offered sweeping views of the country. We even participated in a hands-on fire drill, a practical experience that left us feeling educated about fire safety and community preparedness, emphasizing the five senses.
Throughout all these enriching experiences, two key themes resonated deeply with me: the warmth and camaraderie of the people we met along the way and the strong emphasis on education and environmental awareness that reinforces their work. As we journeyed through both Matura’s community as well as Port of Spain, I was struck by the genuine kindness and openness of the locals. Each interaction felt like a connection forged through shared stories and laughter, showcasing the friendliness and spirit of the Trinidadian people.
Alongside this warmth, I observed a profound dedication to education and awareness. As I mentioned in my second blog, we learned that Nature Seekers has converted poachers to volunteers through teaching in their community and making people aware. During the orientation on the first day, Suzane went into more depth about this while also mentioning how the beginning of Nature Seekers had to deal with gender discrimination. She dealt with this firsthand, with many people in the community looking down on women running the non-profit and even laughing at them. Suzane and her peers fought against this discrimination by raising awareness and offering education within the community. At Fondes Amandes, we learned about valuable programs that educates community members from primary school-aged children to elders on fire safety, particularly during the dry season when the risk of wildfires increases. The initiative focuses on teaching individuals to identify the signs of fire, such as unusual smoke or burning smells, and how to respond appropriately. Through engaging lessons, they are encouraged to communicate these fire safety lessons, fostering a community awareness and responsibility for fire prevention.
One of the most notable expectations that was met was, again, the warmth and hospitality of the Trinidadian people. Before our trip, I had heard that the Trini people are friendly, but the amount of kindness we experienced was like no other. The genuine kindness and openness of the locals were evident in every interaction. Whether it was a simple wave, a honk, or a shared story, the friendliness and spirit of the Trinidadian people were palpable. Another expectation that I anticipated was the pace of work and the concept of “island time.” Coming from a fast-paced academic environment, I anticipated that the slower pace in Trinidad might require some adjustment. Honestly, I think my group and I adjusted very well to this, utilizing this time to get to know each other better and have conversations with employees at the Nature Seekers house. Embracing the philosophy of “Okay, good” helped us adapt to the unpredictability and turn potential disappointments into opportunities for friendship and connection.
The only real “challenge” on the trip was the bummer of not spotting any leatherback turtles like we’d hoped. But honestly, the best part of the whole experience wasn’t about finding seeing and tagging turtles; it was all about the journey itself. The knowledge we gained, the laughs we shared, and the friendships we built turned our adventure into a mix of fun and learning, making it a really memorable experience.
The readings and discussions on intercultural competence, particularly the study by Nadia De Leon, emphasized the significance of intensive intercultural service-learning programs in enhancing students’ intercultural skills. My experiences in Trinidad mirrored these findings, as I engaged with local communities and organizations like Nature Seekers and Fondes Amandes. These interactions allowed me to develop a deeper appreciation for cultural differences and the importance of reciprocity in community service. The warmth and camaraderie of the Trinidadian people, coupled with their dedication to education and environmental awareness, reinforced the idea that active participation and knowledge are key to addressing community challenges. Throughout my journey, I observed how service learning can transform community attitudes and behaviors, much like how Nature Seekers converted poachers to volunteers through education. This aligns with the research indicating that service learning can reduce stereotypes and facilitate cultural understanding. My interactions with locals and guides like Tiara and Anderson underscored the relational aspect of service learning, where building connections not only enriched my experience but also underscored the importance of community in fostering engagement and learning.
I wish I could go over every single detail of what we did in-country (I could honestly write a novel). Overall, this trip was the best I could’ve asked for and more. I am so grateful for the people in my group and the people we met there. I can’t wait to reflect with the class and finish our deliverables for the project. It’s been an incredible journey collaborating with everyone, and I think we’ve learned so much from each other along the way. I miss it already!
