Where are they now? Spotlight on our Previous Interns: Anna Safryghin

We love to highlight what our former interns are up to after their time at Forfar Field Station. Anna Safryghin was a member of the team here at Forfar during the 2018-2019 season.

How did the Forfar internship benefit you in your current job or your future career goals?

The internship at Forfar was a crucial stepping stone for the career that I wanted to pursue. Getting the opportunity to teach and educate students of all ages about the environment strengthened my passion for teaching and sharing my knowledge about the environment even further. Coming from a very marine science and research heavy background, the internship broadened my interests and made me discover my inner teacher in me, and that is a side that I will always try and include in both my current role as well as any future roles.

What professional skills did you gain from the internship?

The internship at Forfar has taught me a wide range of skills as well as strengthened abilities that I already had acquired. I am now very confident in my teaching, presenting and leadership skills, which have been proven particularly useful in my current role. Additionally while at Forfar, I was also able to develop a few practical skills, free diving, kayaking, and wilderness medicine to name a few.

What is the most memorable or favorite part of your Forfar internship?

I truly loved my internship at Forfar, and made some amazing memories with the rest of the incredible staff. Getting to construct and deliver two full credit marine science college courses to the local college (BAMSI) is perhaps the moment I remember the most and makes me the most proud.

Where is your hometown? Where are you living now? *

Originally from a small town in the north of Italy, I am now living in Edinburgh (Scotland).

What job(s) have you had since your time at Forfar? What are your responsibilities in the role?

Soon after I completed my internship with Forfar, I took on the role of Blog Manager for the non profit organization Women In Ocean Science (WOS) which is dedicated to tackling gender issues in marine science and conservation. I have been involved with WOS for the past 3 years, and have now become the Director and Operations Manager. In this new capacity I am responsible for the daily operations of the organization, securing funding, establishing partnerships and pursuing our mission to empower women in ocean related careers and learning environments.

Any current hobbies or places travelled?

While I do greatly miss being able to go snorkeling and diving in my free time, as I used to do at Forfar, I still try and spend time in the very cold waters of the North Sea through surfing. Travel has been limited for the past few years, however I have a few trips planned this upcoming summer, to name one, I will be going to Portugal representing Women In Ocean Science at the UN Ocean Conference.

Any other updates you would like to share with IFS?

Last year, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, I also decided to go back to school where I obtained a Master in Science in Marine Systems and Policies from the University of Edinburgh.

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.

Androsia Scholarships 2021

IFS is dedicated to working alongside the local community on Andros and our larger global community. All programming is meant to pursue our mission of providing environmental education, scientific research, and cultural awareness through experiential learning. In addition to our programming, we aim to give back to the community and our students as much as possible to expand our impact and create equal opportunities for young scholars.

One of the main ways IFS gives back is through our Androsia Scholarship Fund. All profits from the local Androsia wares and IFS branded merchandise sold at Forfar Field Station go directly to the Androsia Scholarship Fund. In 2021, two $500 scholarships were awarded to two local Androsians.

The first $500 scholarship was given to Ethan Thompson. Ethan is the 2021 salutatorian of Central Andros High School. Here is his statement sharing his story and speaking directly to donors:

I am talented in many fields such as math, science, athletics, music and art. However, in the near future I would like to dive into the world of botany.

I was born in New Providence, but spent all my life on the island of Andros. There, I attended the Fresh Creek Primary School for six years and Central Andros High School for five years. Throughout primary school and high school, I excelled in Science and Mathematics because they were areas that I loved. 

Despite all the various branches of Math and Science, my reason for moving forward with Botany is to assist and advance The Bahamas.

For a Caribbean nation, The Bahamas' agricultural sector is at minimum potential for a country with so many resources. In the future, I would like to advance and develop agriculture in the Bahamas to a more modern standard, as well as, advancing agriculture as a whole. 

-Ethan Thompson

The second $500 scholarship was given to Rodneal Hanna. Rodneal is the daughter of longtime IFS staff member, Mrs. Shaneal Johnson. This is the third scholarship that Rodneal has received from IFS during the course of her academic career. Here is her most recent letter of thanks for the continued support of her donors:

I wanted to thank you for your continued support in my academic journey. As you know it has been a difficult time in the world as a whole due to the pandemic and virtual learning has be an adjustment however I am now pursuing Secondary Education History/Geography and doing well. Thank you again and I hope you are staying safe.

- Rodneal Hanna

To read more about Rodneal’s story, along with other past Androsia scholarship recipients, check out our blog post from 2020.

Forfar 50th Anniversary Interviews: Wilton Russell

Wilton Russell, Red Bays Native (Musician, Historian & Artist)

Wilton Russell has been connected to Forfar since he was just 12 years old. Many of our groups visit his home during their trip to the local Red Bays community. Wilton welcomes our groups and shares his music and songs during their visit! Wilton is an important part of the Red Bays experience and we are grateful for the time he lends to our groups and students.

“Wilton Russell is my name and I have a few nicknames which are “Rubberband Man” along with “Willy D’ Dynamite”. Those are the famous names that were given to me.” - Wilton Russell

How well did you know Archie Forfar?  Any memories you want to share about Archie?

I remember Archie. He used to come here for me to carry him hunting for wild hog. Me, Archie and Albert Colebrooke used to go hunting wild hog down a place called Billy Coppice. We used to have a farm off a road that connects Morgan’s Bluff to Fire Road then onto Red Bays. He would bring food for my grandmother, some milk and stuff like that if he didn't do anything we’d have to eat our yard chicken. If Archie, Tiny, Big Mac and guys who work on AUTEC base didn’t bring something for us to eat, we had to eat off the soil, because it’s too far away to walk from the coppice to the sea. So back in the day Archie was a blessing to Red Bay and I wouldn't say only to me because he would come down giving away stuff to the poor people. Especially around Christmas time he would give away paints even shortly after Hurricane Betsy.

 Archie was the first person drive down here on a truck on the small lil road going from house to house handing out flour, rice, sugar, matches. Archie is a legend and it brings tears to my heart that he left us so early, everybody misses him.

Did you know Ben Bohl well?  Do you have any memories you want to share about Ben?

Ben is another great guy and if he can do anything to help he would help in any condition. I miss him. Ben would visit and bring the groups down to old Red Bays and do his best to help no matter the situation.

What is your relationship to Forfar?

I look at Forfar as a tourism garden of The Bahamas and from then to now it has only gotten better. I’d say 95% of them [visitors to Red Bays] come to the field station so from [when I was] 12 years old I learned about the place through Archie. My relationship with Forfar Field Station was formed when most of the leaders would come looking for me, from a child I grew up entertaining the tourists. I’d take them on tours through the bush showing them different flowers, wild birds, bushes, mud testing. IFS had some outstanding students come down to learn right now, I’d say that it is doing much better with these great leaders that we have. They ain't letting it fall down to the ground, they’re lifting it up.

How long have you worked with Forfar?

I wouldn’t say that I’ve worked on the station grounds like that but sometimes I’d be asked to rake, clear the ground or even water the plants around the area. In our free time, we would go hunting or go on the boat with the tourist looking for shells or sea urchins. It wouldn’t be an everyday kind of thing just every so often. 

What is your favorite memory that is affiliated with Forfar?

My favorite memory would be in the earlier days with Archie and Ben. Archie came down here on his own. He was the type of guy who came looking for friends but between him and Ben the best memories centered around those two legends.

Over your time, you must have met so many people coming from Forfar to visit Red Bays. Do you keep in contact with people that you met along the way?

Yes. I remember Cindy and Marcus used to run the place at one point in time. Me, Henry Wallace, Cindy and Marcus designed the old museum with concrete markings and engravings with ship racks for the display boats. There was also a lady by the name of Sage with her husband Derrick who stayed down here for a few years then they left to go to Minnesota. In fact, I still got letters and cards that the groups would send down to me from a long time ago, some of those letters so old they’ve got mildew.

Where are they now? Spotlight on our Previous Interns: Mattew Speegle

We love to highlight what our former interns are up to after their time at Forfar Field Station. Matthew Speegle was a member of the team here at Forfar during the 2018-2019 season.

How did the Forfar internship benefit you in your current job or your future career goals?

The main skill set I took from my time at Forfar is the ability to learn to identify a large quantity of species in a effective way while being able to quickly identify them in the field. It has truly helped my throughout my career because if I am working in a new field, or region, with different species that I haven't worked with before, my employer always feels reassured that they won’t have to spend extra time and effort training me.

What professional skills did you gain from the internship?

Learning to work with and communicate with such a variety of people was definitely the most important skill that I gained from the internship. As part of my current job, I am always meeting, working with, and living in close quarters, with new people. It is essential to be able to communicate effectively in order to work together with new people. If you don't, you quickly learn that you will enjoy your job much less.

What is the most memorable or favorite part of your Forfar internship?

There are obviously so many memorable moments during my time in Andros from swimming in the blue waters to dancing with my fellow interns on the weekend. But the one memory that always comes back to me is when I was able to scuba dive in Cousteau's Blue Hole on my 26th birthday. It was a great experience because of how “once in a lifetime” it actually was. I never thought that I would be able to dive in such a amazing and distinct location. Never before did I think I would get a chance to dive in such a place that made me feel like I was on a different planet.

Where is your hometown? Where are you living now?

My hometown is Castro Valley, California. And I am currently living in Dana Point, California, where there is a little bit more sunshine and a lot better beach.

What job(s) have you had since your time at Forfar? What are your responsibilities in the role?

I have worked two jobs since my time at Forfar. My first job title was Fishery Observer. I worked for Frank Oarth and Associates, who is contracted by NOAA to work the Southwest region of fisheries. I would travel on commercial fishing boats from a week to a month at a time, to collect data (i.e. measurements, weight, sex) and samples (i.e. stomach, tissue, liver, reproductive organs, gills) of all the fish that we catch and keep while on the boat, then bring them back to the lab to do an in-depth analysis of all the samples. All of the data and analysis goes to NOAA scientists. My second job is a biological monitor for an environmental consulting firm. I work with construction firms to minimize and mitigate the biological impacts or their projects. It mainly consists of a lot of surveys and technical reports, but I get to work outside and meet new people everyday.

Any current hobbies or places traveled?

While I am not working, I am spending mostly all my time either surfing or playing golf. Dana point is the perfect place for these because, as you can imagine, it is always sunny, and there are always waves. As for travel, I have mostly been finding new places around California to camp, as there is never a shortage of new locations, and travelling to Mexico to get a taste of the tropical weather which I miss so much.

Any other updates you would like to share?

I miss being in such an amazing place as Andros, and it is nearly impossible for me to refrain from telling any new person I meet about my time there.

Gap Year Alumni: Isabel Sexton

Isabel attend our Fall 2020 Gap Year and is our newest Student Ambassador, along with Faith Hertz, for our Forfar Marine Science Program.

Tell us about yourself prior to Forfar!

Hi! I’m Isabel. I’m from Clyde Park, Montana, a town with a population of only 300 people! I grew up on a small farm and commuted to a high school 25 miles away. I am 19, and go to Lewis and Clark College in Portland! I love to hike, ski, hang out with my dogs, drink tea, and after Forfar, scuba dive.

How did you hear about the Forfar Marine Science Program?

I was in the second semester of my freshman year of college when Covid-19 got crazy. I decided I would postpone my sophomore year to take a little break from college. Forfar caught my eye immediately, and after further research it seemed like just the right place for me.

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

Just waking up on the beach every morning is incredible, but the way you interact with Andros and the ocean at Forfar is really special. SCUBA diving blew my mind, I had never spent that much time underwater and seeing the variety of reef fish, the colors of the corals, and all of the funky little organisms was definitely one of my favorite parts. I also love the blue holes on Andros! Both oceanic and inland, the blue holes in the ocean house super cool shipwrecks, and the inland blue holes are just utterly gorgeous. The connections you build to the other students and instructors/staff while doing these activities are really great too! We all are in a new environment, we’re all just figuring it out, and we’re all pushing our comfort zones. All of these factors make for long time friendships, and connections, which I am so grateful for.

What was the most challenging aspect or task?

Because I came to Forfar during Covid, we had to quarantine for the first ten days. While we were in quarantine all of the students were still strangers to each other. Spending all day, everyday together was really intimidating at the beginning. Spending ten days on station on the pristine beach with new people really isn’t so bad though, and by the end of the quarantine our group had bonded so tightly! Also, being able to explore the island after our quarantine was a very exciting time: going to the restaurants, blue holes, other towns, and boat trips made the quarantine time absolutely worth it. The other most challenging aspect, for me, was the bugs!! Bring your bug spray, baby oil, cozy socks, and pants!

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

Living with the other students was definitely daunting, but you adjust quickly. My roommate and I were both nervous at the beginning, but by the end of the trip we were super close. I have made some really incredible friends on this trip, I feel very grateful to Forfar for introducing me to them. Spending so much time together doing really cool, challenging things makes for a solid and cohesive group. I really enjoyed the dynamic. I hear from Forfar friends every day, even after not seeing each other for a while we are all still in touch! I hope and plan to see many of them again in the future.

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

I would absolutely recommend this program to anyone who loves to be outside, in the ocean, in super cool lectures, or in nature. I had very little ocean experience coming into this program, and I left feeling so comfortable in the water. The staff is so supportive, sweet, and helpful. If you’re worried about doing something they’ve got your back. Don’t be afraid to build relationships with everyone on station, not just the students! Also, live in the moment, six weeks flies by! Drink lots of hot cocoa (pro tip- hot cocoa after scuba diving)! Even if you feel like you aren’t a science person, this program is for you.

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

I have Type 1 Diabetes, so my mom was a little worried about me being on Andros too. I can only praise Forfar for how they deal with adversity, there is a plan in place for every scenario. Andros is remote, but that just means more beautiful nature to explore! If you feel nervous about coming to Andros the staff is so on top of it, they can talk you through any questions you may have. Forfar is a really safe place to be, I never had any reason to be worried.

Where are you now?

I am currently back at Lewis and Clark College, in Portland, Oregon. I am majoring in Environmental Studies, and hoping to go to law school for environmental law after that! I have continued to scuba dive, and hope to further my certifications while I’m still in college. I love to go to the coast on weekends with my friends, but it’s chilly! I definitely miss the Bahamian beaches!

Anything else you want to add?

I am so so so glad I applied and so happy I took the gap semester! If you are feeling worried about college, don’t go immediately! Go hang out in the Bahamas for a bit first!

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As our Student Ambassadors Isabel and Faith are 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!