Home Sweet Home!

We heard “Boys It’s time to get up” for the last time as we groggily arose from our abbreviated slumber. It was 4:15 and the stars were twinkling; however, nowhere near as spectacular as the night before. We got to work trying to shove our last items into our already over-stuffed bags. There was a war-zone of sheets, towels, blankets and an old buoy as we frantically shoved everything into our duffels. That odd pair of tennis shoes seemed to be the enemy this morning. To everyone’s surprise we managed to zip every last one.

            As we loaded the bags in the darkness we started to feel the emotions that we were desperately fighting off. The dorms had been cleaned out. Every grain of sand removed from the shower, every bat moth shooed, and all drying lines cleared. We stood in the doorway of the commons amidst the dark sunless sky hanging on to our rustic abode. The tabby cat Fritter sat by our feet trying to keep us with her.

            As we raised the flag for the last time we all took a deep sigh, our caciques slowly propelled the black, blue, and yellow towards the starry sky. We lifted up our heads in unison and harmonized the familiar anthem for the last time. As we sang a shooting star pranced across the sky, and we could all imagine the wishes that followed its tail.

            Thus ended one of the greatest two weeks any one us have ever experienced. Saddened, yet hopeful for the future, the Hawken Honors Marine Science class of 2013 left for the airport. Our brief wait at the airport was not without its quirks, however. We sat in front of a television set and in our dazed semi-conscious state, found some entertainment in the form of Bahamian public broadcasting. We also had an opportunity for some surprise last goodbyes at the airport.

            With hands waved, hugs had, and tears shed, we were ushered out of the Rock Sound airport and into our plane. Thoughts of the last two weeks played out in our heads as Eleuthera flashed under us. We arrived in Nassau with four hours to spare until we boarded our flight to Atlanta. Six hours after we woke up, most students found their next meal to be Wendy's, the first fast food they had had in two weeks. Having been used to healthy food, many upset stomachs were had.

            Our next two flights were very similar to our flights two weeks earlier. They were uneventful and without delay. We arrived in Cleveland and a few of us were greeted by family upon arrival. Most, however, would finish the intensive on the Lyndhurst campus. As Alex so eloquently put it, "our tans will fade, but the memories will last forever." Eleuthera and the Island School will stay in our hearts forever. But we all hope this will not be the last time we see Eleuthera. Many of us hope to return to the Island School in the near or distant future.

            Thank you very much for keeping up with our adventures this winter intensive!