Gap Year Alumni: Faith Hertz
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Tell us about yourself prior to Forfar!
I am from San Diego, California. I went to a small private school from kindergarten all the way to my senior year and I am 19. After graduation, I was planning on attending a university, but the weeks leading up to my move in date, I became less excited about going because I had no idea what I wanted to do and that’s when I decided to take a gap year and it was definitely the best decision I ever made!
How did you hear about the Forfar Marine Science Program?
I began researching different programs and things I could do during my gap year and found the Forfar Marine Science Program.
What was one (or some) of your favorite parts of the program?
One aspect of the program I really enjoyed was finding my passion for learning again. Every lecture we had, I genuinely was so interested in learning and I wanted to learn even more. After snorkeling or diving, my friends and I would hit the ID books to find and learn about all the fish and sea creatures we saw. It was truly amazing being in an environment where you’re learning about subjects that interest you and being surrounded by people that love learning and want to share their knowledge with you. The staff was so knowledgeable about so many different subjects that as students, we got a wide range of education whether it was birds and fish or island geology or botany!
Another part I loved, is that we were constantly pushed outside of our comfort zones. Scuba diving for the first time was probably one of the most intimidating things I’ve ever done, but it turned out to be my favorite activity to do. Although it was scary at first, our whole group was doing it for the first time too which made it a fun adventure!
What was the most challenging aspect or task?
The most challenging part for me was finding time to do the papers or study for quizzes/tests because I always just wanted to hangout with everyone or swim in the ocean. I suggest having some study/homework parties because it makes it more fun!
What was it like living with the other students you hadn't met before? Do you still keep in contact with anyone?
I’ll be the first to admit that I was a little nervous living with people I didn’t know for 6 weeks, but it was so much fun! Being with the same people 24/7 makes you bond together so fast! I have met my best friends from my trip and I only knew them for 6 weeks. We’d stay up late laughing and chatting. Being together all day everyday creates the most special friendships I’ve ever had! I still talk to lots of the people I met on the trip! One girl and I coincidentally ended up going on a second gap year trip together which was so fun! And some of the other girls are coming to California for a mini vacation!
What advice would you give incoming students? Would you recommend this program to anyone?
My advice for incoming students is to keep an open mind and remember to live in the moment! There will possibly be some subjects or activities you’ll have to participate in that may not interest you, but if you keep an open mind, I can almost guarantee that you’ll enjoy it more than you think. When I got there, I absolutely hated birds, but a few weeks in I was taking every opportunity to go birding and would wake up at 6 am to go (and I am not a morning person), but these are truly some of my best memories! To me, 6 weeks sounded so long, but it went by quick so remember to take in everyday and appreciate where you are because it is truly beautiful! I would absolutely recommend this program to anyone who loves learning, traveling, and the ocean. Even if you don’t want to major in marine biology or environmental science, you’ll have experiences you’ll remember your whole life!
What would you say to ease parents minds about their child traveling to the remote location of Andros?
I will say my parents were a little nervous about sending me to a remote island they never heard of, but it was so safe! I always felt so safe there and the staff had all our backs. Plus, your child will be having so much fun that’ll be the last thing you’re thinking about!
Where are you now?
After Forfar, I went on a semester at sea in the Caribbean which was another amazing experience! I have been working on more scuba certifications and am currently working up to be a divemaster hopefully by the end of the year! This fall, I will be attending the University of Tampa with a major in Marine Biology and I’m so excited to be continuing my education there.
Anything else you want to add?
If you’re thinking about taking a gap year, I would 100% encourage you too! I have met my very best friends through these programs. I also have found my passion for the ocean and scuba diving and am now more ready than ever to leave home and attend college. If it hadn’t been for this program, I wouldn’t have known what I wanted to do with my life. I grew so much as an individual from that program and I encourage anyone to do it, even if you’re scared like I was, it was the best decision I have ever made! Watch the YouTube video I made of my experience!
Faith is also our Student Ambassador and is happy to talk to any parents or students who are interested in enrolling in the Forfar Marine Science Program. Email office@intlfieldstudies.org to get connected!
