An Unforgettable Week- Lily Cureton

There is nothing more bittersweet than our third week in Sint Maarten coming to an end. How many days do we have left? Around 5? I'm still pinching myself about the fact that this week is reality for me. From celebrating Memorial Day on the beach to social media takeovers to presentations in class, this week was an unforgettable one. Every single day felt like it was trying to outdo the last, and somehow, every single day succeeded.

The beginning of the week consisted of much preparation. Before our Memorial Day festivities, our group had to lock in. We had to prepare a social media and brand audit presentation for Wednesday morning. Using QUID to gather information and prepare our presentations provided insight into how the island is advertised and how it could improve. It was fascinating to see Sint Maarten through the lens of data, to understand not just what makes this island beautiful but also what makes it marketable to the rest of the world. As we spent hours in preparation, we eventually finished our task at hand! Alas, when Wednesday morning arrived and we had to give our presentation in front of the entire class, the hours of preparation paid off, as we were able to speak with confidence and coolness! There is something deeply satisfying about presenting work that you actually care about, and after three weeks on this island, it is safe to say we all cared deeply.

After our study hours, we, as a study abroad group, chose to celebrate Memorial Day at the beach. Somewhere in between the dancing on the beach and the yelling at the top of our lungs to patriotic music, there was a subtle, deep appreciation for the sacrifices of those who serve our country. Because of the sacrifice of thousands of soldiers, we are able to receive an education and celebrate cultures around the world. Being thousands of miles away from home on a national holiday has a way of making gratitude feel even more profound. How wonderful a blessing!!

Tuesday was Izzy's and my social media takeover day! As we went around the island, exploring Maho and enjoying $2 tacos, we were able to document everything we experienced. Seeing the island through a content creator's eye, thinking about framing, storytelling, and what would resonate with an audience, made everything we have been learning in class feel real in the most exciting way. It was a special opportunity to share this island with those back home who want the chance to study abroad here in the Caribbean. I hope those who see our social media takeovers can see how much we adore this place and the company it brings!

Five days left. Somehow that number feels both too small and too big at the same time. All I know is that Sint Maarten has changed something in me, and as I go into my final week, I find myself clinging to the change and holding onto it. Embracing it. No longer scared of what the future holds for me. The version of me that stepped off that plane three weeks ago feels like a distant memory, and I mean that in the best possible way. Five days left, and I plan to make every single one count.

Lily Cureton