Island Reflections: Embracing Nature, Finding Strength - Nur Baiti Azizi

When I got off the boat, I felt both excited and unsure about my decision. The plants and animals on this island seemed to have secrets waiting to be discovered. Then, I realized that living on the island was a different world. As a city dweller, I had to adapt to the limited resources and the absence of modern conveniences. On my first few days, I found myself feeling out of place. But soon, I discovered the warmth and hospitality of my teammates that knew no bounds.

As an internship student in the marine conservation field, it was a truly transformative experience for me. It not only offers an opportunity to delve into the enchanting world of marine life but also to actively contribute to the preservation of our precious ecosystems. I found joy and fascination in learning about sea turtles, fishes and other marine lifes.

It was challenging as an introverted person because I couldn't talk much to people at first. But after a few weeks living on Tengah Island, I enjoyed having random conversations with my teammates, resort staff and guests. I am glad that the educational talks about turtles and sharks helped me a lot to improve my communication skills.

The best parts were spending time with my teammates, snorkeling after work, seeing all the colorful fish near the jetty, and watching sea turtles up close. From waking up in the middle of the night due to turtle nesting and protecting the eggs so that more baby turtles could go into the sea.

As time passed, the once unfamiliar island became my sanctuary and source of inspiration. The island taught me to appreciate the simple joys of life, the beauty of solitude, and the strength of adapting to new surroundings. And as I watched the sun dip, painting the sky with hues of gold and lavender, I whispered a heartfelt gratitude to the island that had become one of my great memories.