Gap Year Alumni: Darwyn Sawyer

Darwyn attended our Fall 2021 Gap Year Cohort

What was one (or some) of your favorite parts of the program?

I loved finding a community around the same passion for marine biology. Since I was homeschooled, it had been years since I was in that kind of environment, and I missed it. There's something so satisfying in learning together. The way we'd all huddle around the gonio, laughing with each new creature we discovered, or trying (and failing) to ID a fish based on someone's description. Even complaining about the mosquitoes or the heat made it worthwhile because we were doing it together.

I loved how much being there challenged me to push myself. I grew so much. I've always been shy, but at Forfar, I was able to come out of my shell in a way I never had. All thanks to the people there -- the staff, the interns, and students made it easy. And even when I was scared of things like jumping at Captain Bill's or SCUBA diving for the first time, I did it anyway.

What advice would you give incoming students? Would you recommend this program to anyone?

For everyone, my mom told me to keep a beginner's mind for Forfar, so I'm passing that on! What she meant by that was to let go of your expectations so that you're not burdened with prejudice or anxiety. And push yourself! Do things you wouldn't normally do, if you don't like it, you don't have to do it again, but if you love it, you'll be so glad you did it! Forfar offers an excellent opportunity for growth, so seize the day! I've already joked about my brother attending too because I loved the experience so much. I'll recommend it to any kid interested in science! Especially those interested in research. In fact, I already have a few people in mind who I think would love this.

And for the fall cohort: DO NOT underestimate the cold and the bugs. I didn't bring nearly as much bug spray or warm clothing as I should. And listen to the packing list!! You may see some items and think "I don't need that," but you do.

Tell us about yourself prior to Forfar! Where is your hometown? Where did you go to school? How old are you?

I'm from The Bahamas, born and raised on New Providence, and I just graduated Clonlara School in June. I only turned 18 in September, just over a month before boarding the plane to Andros. Before Forfar I took the SAT, wrote the first draft of my college essay, and began planning the places I'd go in my gap year.

What was the most challenging aspect or task?

The final paper was probably the most challenging thing I had to do there. It was at such a busy time that we wrote the paper that I almost thought I wouldn't make it. All of us were trying to make the most of our time, and we were also trying to do well for our final. We ended up studying and writing together which made the work a lot easier. Even made it fun!

What was it like living with the other students you hadn't met before? Do you still keep in contact with anyone?

I was really scared about living with strangers at first, like I said, I'm shy and an introvert. But it was so much fun! When you see the same 17 people every day for six weeks, you get to know everyone at lightning speed. Everyone was really cool, always welcoming and friendly. I went into this expecting to make friends, but I wasn't sure if we'd keep in contact, and I'm pleasantly surprised that we did! I even text people I didn't talk to as much while I was there, and a lot of us are going to uni in the same area, so we've talked about meeting up sometime. I might even meet up with another student at a different program!

What would you say to ease parents' minds about their child travelling to the remote location of Andros?

I'm from here and I know how dodgy it can get. Andros being rural is exactly what gives it its charm and security. We'd walk around at night feeling perfectly fine, and everyone knows everyone so it's like becoming part of the neighborhood! The interns were always checking on us, too, and we rarely went out alone. If someone mentioned going to the store, they'd end up with three or four tagalongs at least.

Where are you now? Are you or will you be attending college?  If so, where and what will you be studying?

I've just submitted all my college applications and expect to hear back in March. Now, I'm looking for work to pay for a trip to Europe where I'll volunteer on farms and animal shelters for 10 weeks! After that, it's college. Although I don't know where I'm going yet, most of the schools on my list are on the east coast. I'm going to major in biology, and I can't wait for that chapter in my life to unfold, even more so after Forfar.