Lifestyle

Taking A Leap To Save The Environment

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Asia Butler took a chance that ended up changing her life. Butler is just a few weeks into her internship at BREEF.

Published

2 years ago

February 12, 2023

Kristina Dragovich

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – What does it take to be a steward of the environment? It may be easier than you think and you can start as soon as this week, by taking the first step.

Asia Butler took a chance that ended up changing her life. Butler is just a few weeks into her internship at the Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation, but her journey began with the decision to apply for the environmental steward scholarship, or BESS, program.

Butler joined other like-minded students who were passionate about the marine environment, and the role we play in protecting and preserving it; for three-months at the Island School on Eleuthera.

The BESS program is a one-year youth mentorship for graduating high school students, giving them the opportunity to spend 100-days at the Island School, followed by a four-month paid internship at BREEF.

Butler, and fellow BESS intern, Gayle Burrows, say the experience inspired them and changed them for the better.

The interns say we’re all responsible for protecting The Bahamas of today and making good decisions for the environment.

Heather Brockbank is a former BESS scholar, and now works in outreach for BREEF. She says the program also made a huge impact on her life and you don’t have to know how to swim to apply.

The application deadline to apply for this cohort is February 15th. Find out more at BREEF.org or IslandSchool.org.