I decided to spend a semester at the Center for Coastal Studies in Bahia Magdalena for a number of reasons. Last summer, I had the opportunity to take a four week class, Field Marine Science, at Shoals Marine Laboratory on Appledore Island, New Hampshire. The class gave me a wonderful opportunity to learn hands-on about the ecosystems and various organisms living within the North Atlantic Ocean. It also made me realize how much I enjoy learning by that approach. I am very interested in the coastal studies program because it is taught in a similar manner, plus it will give me the opportunity to learn more about tropical and coastal marine ecology. Furthermore, I believe that the semester program in Mexico is unique in that it provides a hands-on opportunity to solve the environmental problems facing the people of Puerto San Carlos. I am very excited to learn about the many factors that one must take into account when trying to solve environmental problems. I feel that looking at the entire picture is essential if both the environment and the people are to prosper in the long run.