Columbus State Update, November 1999, Issue 8, Volume 2
By Dr. Beverly Kovanda

I recently visited Discovery Bay, Jamaica with the Marine Biology class led by Dr. John Francis, a US Citizen of Jamaican birth.  We stayed in the dorms of the University of West Indies’ Marine Laboratory. 

I have been an avid scuba diver for about ten years and I am a certified Dive Master and Assistant Instructor.  Teaching the culturally diverse and international students has been a passion of mine since I began teaching them at Columbus State.  With my science background, my love for adventure, my interest in other cultures and my knowledge of diving and marine life, I was thrilled at a chance to teach this course.

Besides the thrill of teaching Marine Biology, diving with new students, and donating  equipment and training, the cultural experience of this trip is priceless.  Dr. Francis took the  class hiking for miles into the Blue Mountains. The students meet with various Maroons, who are ancestors of the original slaves who were brought to the island.  These individuals live off the lush rainforest.  In this remote area, the only medical assistance available is herbal. The students study these herbs as they grow in the wild from tribal descendants. Understanding the plight of the slaves through the eyes of a direct descendant of slavery has a life altering impact on our faculty and students. 

Far more is gained from this trips to Jamaica than the study of Biology 105!  An important lesson one quickly learns from traveling to third world countries is that the happiness of the people is not tied to materialism.  No matter how poor they are, they value family,  some higher spirituality and find happiness in sharing with  others and nurturing family members.

And as we have move into a global economy and providing general education, basic related courses, technical skills, and work-force training to a diverse population, how are we to be successful if we don’t understand and appreciate the differences (and similarities) and needs of these students? We have to move away from the stereotypes that we perceive and open our minds to the individuality and strengths of each student.  We need to look at how they enhance and expand our culture!