Androsia Scholarships 2022

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 2022, two $1,000 scholarships were awarded to two local Androsians.

The first $1,000 scholarship was given to Isaac Barr. Isaac was the class Valedictorian and recent graduate of Huntley Christie High School. Here is his statement sharing his story and speaking directly to donors:

Isaac Barr

My name is Isaac Barr and I am a 17 year old recent graduate of Huntley P Christie High School and Class Valedictorian. I hope to enroll at the University of The Bahamas this fall semester to study and obtain a bachelor’s degree in Media Journalism and Mass Communication.

My utmost goal is to establish a public news blog that can be used to spread awareness of the issues my island of Andros is facing and to create a platform for the talents and resourcefulness of Androsians to be uncovered. Writing is my passion and I hope that in the near future I will be able to give back to my community by developing a Young Journalist Club in which senior high students will be able to establish a greater meaning for freedom of speech and become exposed to issues that are happening right here in our community. I am so grateful to have received this scholarship which will go towards helping me further my education.

-Isaac Barr

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The second $1,000 scholarship was given to Paige Louis. She is a recent graduate of Huntley Christie High, where she achieved her National High School Diploma, as well as, top science, graphical communication, and business awards.

Paige louis

While growing up on the beautiful island of Andros, I've always had the desire to achieve more. I have worked extremely hard to have the opportunity to conquer my goals of attending Benedict College and achieving a 3.8 grade point average. It's my desire to study Theology and Psychology.

Being the eldest child, I want to pave the way for my younger siblings and be the first to graduate College. Another long-term goal of mine is to become a Professor, wife and mother. It's also my desire to be an entrepreneur, author, construct community centers, parks, libraries, host conferences, and donate my time, knowledge, skills and experiences to the different government educational institutions, and many other organizations. I can truly say that without God I wouldn't of made it this far, glory to God for all the great things he has done!

-Paige Louis

Where are they now? Spotlight on our Previous Interns: Franchesca Palomino

What dates did you intern at Forfar Field Station?

I was interning from October 2019- March 2020.

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

The opportunity to gain certifications like SCUBA diving, wilderness first aid and sea kayaking were really useful to add to my resume and allowed me stand out more.

What professional skills did you gain from the internship?

I definitely got to work more on my public speaking skills by giving presentations and leading field trips. I also really enjoyed the opportunity to work on interpersonal skills by having a chance to work and interact with a range of people of different ages and from different backgrounds.

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

My favorite part really was the nights of just hanging out with the guests and my coworkers talking, laughing and playing games. You really got a chance to learn so much from the people that surrounded you in such a short time period.

Where is your hometown? Where are you living now?

I’m from the beautiful Bahamas, New Providence to be exact and I am right back in the capital.

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

I currently work as a Jr. Environmental Scientist at BRON Ltd. where I work in environmental consultancy. Organizations/people, who want to develop, come to us and we do field work to assess the area of it’s habitat and biodiversity. Then we write our reports ranging from Environmental Baseline Statements to Environmental Impact Assessments to Environmental Management Plans. Our reports are then sent to the appropriate Government officials to be approved to garner a Certificate of Environmental Clearance. In summation, I do lots of field work, research and writing.

Any current hobbies or places travelled?

Well sadly, I left Forfar during the pandemic, which we are still in, so no traveling since. I enjoy crocheting, reading, and any chance I get to go to the beach.

Any other updates you would like to share with IFS?

I am truly appreciative of the time I got to spend at Forfar and the things I learned, even though my time sadly got cut short.

Where are they now? Spotlight on our Previous Interns: Aaron John

What dates did you intern at Forfar Field Station?

I was an intern at Forfar from 2018-2020.

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

The internship benefited me by providing a practical hands-on view of conservation and the environmental field. It has conditioned me to be flexible to changing conditions, showed me how I can express my enthusiasm, and a increased my willingness to share what the Bahamas has to offer.

What professional skills did you gain from the internship?

During my time at the Forfar Field Station I gained lots of transferrable skills. Skills such as managing, adaptability & flexibility, operational experience, and experience in resource-constrained environments.

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

Connecting with guests and staff over a game of Volleyball or Ping-Pong.

Where is your hometown? Where are you living now?

My Hometown is the island of New Providence Nassau, Bahamas. Currently living in Nassau.

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

I began work with the Bahamas National Trust as an Education Officer and my responsibilities include: creating and distributing education and outreach materials, facilitating environmental education workshops, conducting field trips and educational tours within the New Providence National Parks and coordinating community meetings.

Any current hobbies or places travelled?

My hobbies include: in-line skating, playing volleyball, playing the guitar and reading. I've recently returned from a South Andros Trip.

Any other updates you would like to share with IFS?

I am enjoying my time with Bahamas National Trust and look forward to working with IFS whenever possible.

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.