I had the pleasure of partnering up with Claire, and our grass planting skills were unparalleled. As I dug holes, she filled them up with the seagrass, and our efficiency and attention to detail provided coastal erosion with a real nemesis. In addition to saving the world, we were able to bond over silly things such as the movie Kung Pow (what do you get when you cross an owl with a bungie cord?....). It was great to get to know her a little more and make connections, just as it has been with everyone on this trip.
After our last big task was done, and the disease that was coastal erosion had been cured, ASBFLO excitedly traveled over to Panama City Beach to spend some fun in the sun. It was great to relax and reflect over the past days, and the hard work we had all accomplished. As usual, my pale skin burned and freckled no matter how much lotion I applied (yes mom, I did use sunscreen), but it wouldn't be a real day at the beach if it didn't. However, the water felt great, and getting to see Panama, where half of Mizzou spring breakers seemed to be, was fun. It was a good day.
But I can't end this post without talking about the amazing people I have had the privilege of spending the past week with. Like, really, this trip would not have been the same without them. It's an incredible thing to spend a week with 11 other people who I had not known too well before the trip (we had only gotten so close as to touch each other's faces if that says anything) and I already feel like I have known them for years. Honestly. Although Ryan cheated, because I have known him since high school.
Cameron is a fun guy, and one who I have found out I have quite a bit in common with. Music, movies, tv shows… Also, he sprained his ankle playing ultimate Frisbee, which is hardcore. Even more hardcore, he planted that seagrass like there was no tomorrow with the aforementioned sprained ankle. Like a boss. Ron is just a very happy, fun person. She loves to dance in the van, to almost any song that comes on. And she always worked very hard in every task we were assigned this week. Claire is so fun to be around as well, and always made both work and downtime fun, and has quite a contagious happiness about her. Steven has great stories, a passion for what we were all doing here in Florida, and an enthusiasm for teamwork that really kept me motivated to keep going at it. Ian has been a great person to get to know – his Britishness was always entertaining, and he is a good sport about it. But in addition to that, he really seems appreciate this group and the work we are doing in a special way, and he is just a very good person. It's a true shame that he will be leaving us to go back to his homeland at the end of the semester, but I really do hope I can visit him this summer during my study abroad trip. Ryan I have known for a good while, and have always sensed his calmness, intelligence, and passion, and especially his ability to articulate his feelings sooooo well – but it was so cool to see the rest of the group see the same things in him as well. Louie has the same qualities – he was always willing to say how he felt, and really appreciated our group as something inspiring to him. I wish him good luck in Europe this summer – it's going to be an amazing experience, and I hope we keep in touch. Kate is just hilarious, and so kind and caring – her smile is huge and her silliness lightens up every situation. Jess is very smart, kind, and selfless, and always went out of her way to help all of us in every situation, and you can just tell that that's the way she lives her life.
I do want to give a special mention to our leaders, Chelsea and Raha. I can honestly say I would rather have had no one else in charge of our trip. Both are so responsible, caring, and incredibly fun. Getting to know them, and what they have accomplished and plan to accomplish, has been very inspiring for me. Their passion for what we were doing here, right from our first meeting before winter break, was incredibly contagious and uplifting, and they never let it up. That, combined with the care that they had for every one of us, made this trip very rewarding. I really noticed it when, on the third day of cutting down trees, they instantly sensed that I was feeling uneasy. I loved the tasks that we were doing – physical work outside was the reason I signed up for an Environmental spring break trip. But I was becoming a little disappointed because I hadn't expected to cut down trees for three days in a row, I expected to help gulf coast restoration. Chelsea and Raha made a point in the middle of the day explaining why we were doing what we were doing, at the end of the day both came to me and asked how I was feeling and that they noticed I seemed unhappy earlier in the day. It wasn't a long conversation, just a few words, but it had a huge impression on me. It wasn't like I was moping around earlier in the day, and I honestly was surprised they noticed at all, because I really didn't want to express my slight disappointment because everyone else was still enthusiastic. But they did notice, and addressed me about it, and from then on I could see the good in everything we were doing and had done.
Anyway, this is long enough. If you read this whole thing – well, you should have stopped a long time ago. But I think it says something about everyone here with me – I just can't say enough good things about them, and I am so glad to have gotten to know them so well.
- Tim MacNair
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