Bahamas Bonanza

Peyton Leifeste ’27 never imagined that pursuing her degree in journalism and media studies (JAMS) would include petting sharks, pigs and iguanas in the beautiful Bahamas. However, Peyton joined six other students and two professors doing just that in a unique January Term course that combined JAMS and biology. Students dove into the Bahamas’ rich and diverse coral reefs and studied their ecology. Using the information and footage they gathered, students create d mini documentaries about their experiences.

Peyton’s decision to join the trip came from a mix of encouragement and her own desire to try new things and travel. Associate Professor Kevin Curry, who co-taught the class, encouraged Peyton to apply. However, she nearly didn’t go.

“I have always been a little afraid of the ocean, especially sharks, so being underwater and living in the middle of the ocean for two weeks was terrifying to me,” Peyton said.

Although her fear nearly kept her from going, Peyton is grateful she went.

“I am so glad I went because I was able to face my fears, become scuba certified and have amazing stories to tell for the rest of my life,” Peyton said.

As part of the course, Peyton and her classmates scuba dived to collect data and footage for their presentations and documentaries. They completed three to four dives each day. To supplement the course, they also occasionally had assignments from the marine biology textbook.

“We traveled all over the Bahamas,” she said. “We started in Nassau. From there, we went to a lot of different islands. The most notable was the Exumas, a small group of islands.”

For two weeks, the class even lived on board a sailboat out in the Bahamas waters.

“My favorite thing about living on the boat was sleeping. I absolutely loved taking naps in the sun on the deck between the dives,” Peyton said. “At night, I was so tired from the long day of diving that the boat would rock me right to sleep.”

There were, however, a few adjustments to living on the boat.

“It was a little difficult being in such close proximity to others, constantly bumping into people and spilling things, but you get used to it,” she said. “It's a small burden when you realize that you're in the Bahamas for an experience of a lifetime.”

The Bahamas itself left a lasting impression.

“The thing that stood out to me the most about the Bahamas was the amazing waters. The shade of blue was the most beautiful color I've ever seen,” Peyton said. “I can't believe I was able to see it in person.

She also took home some lifelong memories.

“My favorite things about the trip were petting nurse sharks, seeing turtles and meeting a new friend, Natalie Brinda ’26, a nursing major. These experiences were incredible, but they were that much better because I made a friend to share them with,” Peyton said.

Peyton had an even more memorable time thanks to her new friends and classmates.

“I had my 20th birthday during this course, and it was the best birthday of my life,” she said. “The crew and the other Wildcats made the day so special and memorable by decorating my bunk, letting me catch my first fish, feeding iguanas, pouring cake ingredients over my head and even baking me a birthday cake.”

Beyond the adventures, Peyton also reflected on the academic experience.

“While the class was the reason we were in the Bahamas, I felt our professors focused more on our experience. They wanted us to experience anything and everything we could while we were out there instead of making us sit down and do assignments,” Peyton said. “The real work started when we got back to McMinnville and had to create documentaries and research presentations.”

Over those two weeks, Peyton had the chance to grow a little more as a person and learner.

“My biggest takeaway from the experience is trying new things and stepping out of my comfort zone,” she said. “Two years ago, I never could have imagined myself doing something like this, but I'm so proud of myself for taking the plunge. It has made me want to keep trying new things and seeking new experiences.”