Final Thoughts

Tonight is the last night on Moorea. It is quite a shame to know that early tomorrow morning we will be leaving this amazing island. We were very lucky to have had the opportunity to come here, and even luckier to have such a great group. Our instructors were excellent at helping us all along the way. So now each member of our class is going to record our final opinions of the trip.

I loved the trip, it had the perfect balance of an educational field biology class and of course just enough tourist sights. I did not come into this trip as a biology major and definitely got a crash course in field biology. I learned more in this two weeks than in most semester long classes I've taken. - Ryan Miles

This trip has really been the experience of a lifetime. We went diving, sight seeing, shopping, hiking, and snorkeling among many other things, and still had time to learn the names of new fish and finish our research. This trip was so much more than I thought it would be. Best two weeks ever. - Lexi Milan

When you sign up for a class in Tahiti, you plan on having fun while getting graded for it, and that's exactly what happened. Our professors were able to incorporate loads of knowledge and research without making it as tedious as a typical class. It was the experience of a lifetime that I will remember for years to come. -Kristina Schutte

Some days were long and hard but that is to be expected when you work with nocturnal lizards. This was a great trip and everyday was filled with fun and research. Our professors did a great job of balancing the fun and helping us learn. - Angela Payerle

This trip was the truly the opportunity of a lifetime. When I first signed up for the class, I knew it would be fun, but this class went above and beyond what I expected. The diving was amazing, the island was beautiful, the hikes were great, and the experiments were very fun and enjoyable. Our professors were very helpful and did a great job organizing this wonderful trip for all of us. This is trip that I will always remember. -David Paternite

A once in a lifetime experience that everyone of all majors should participate. I am a computer scientist and before the trip, I had absolutely no biology experience. Even so, I had a wonderful time and experienced many things that I never had a chance to try. Thank You Rich and Peter for all your help and support. I truly enjoyed the trip. - Michael J. Decker

Before this trip I never really gave thought to the study of the little scale-ies we call geckos. I must admit that this experience has completely changed my mind. I've realized I have an avid interest in research and many new options have now opened up in my mind. Thank you Peter and Rich for allowing us undergrads to expand our views and try new things in such a remote and fascinating area. ~Sara A. Elefritz

Well, from looking above me I can see that no one favors that short and sweet approach quite like me. This trip has been one of the greatest two weeks of my life and I relished every single moment -Mitchell Hall

I had a lot of fun. -Steve Honeck

This trip was definitely a worthwhile experience. The diving was great and it was really refreshing finally do some applied research as opposed to being stuck in the classroom. I really learned a lot about the process and limitations of doing field work in remote locations. This is a beautiful place and I will never forget coming here- hope to do it again someday.

-Andy Koenig

What a great group of people to be with while studying in paradise! The trip was fantastic not only because of the gorgeous surrounds and the days filled with once in a lifetime experiences, but because of the people with whom we shared those experiences. Every day was a gift and one not lost on us. I'd travel with you all anytime.

- Stephen McNulty

Waking up everyday to view the sunrise shining on the steep tropical mountains was just priceless. And it was amazing to star gaze at the different constellations in the southern hemisphere (so excited I got to view the Souther Cross). But what was just as amazing was the class itself. Getting the opportunity to conduct research in such a beautiful place with awesome classmates and professors was an experience of a lifetime.

-Eddie Ramirez

Fantastic trip! Mere words can not describe!! Met a great group of people, learned a lot, got to experience research, and got to enjoy a beautiful place. Diving with sharks and turtles made the trip. Definitely the experience of a lifetime, so thanks to all those who made it possible.

-Stephanie Peteya