On Friday, November 15, 2024, the International Student Program (ISP) hosted a fun-filled field trip to the Aquarium of the Bay and Pier 39. It was the perfect day to explore the area, with it being bright, sunny, and chilly at the same time. At the aquarium, they were greeted with a beautiful display of colorful fish. 24 students who joined the field trip were intrigued by learning more about the Bay Area sharks. The aquarium showcased these sharks’ history extensively while educating the visitors on how global warming and plastic waste in the ocean adversely affect biodiversity. It is crucial to understand the important role we humans play in the sustenance of the planet. After being educated about the decreasing shark population, the students explored the other exhibits of the aquarium with enthusiasm and curiosity. The lower level was the best. They had a wonderful time walking through the shark tunnel, where they could walk in a large glass tunnel surrounded by water. Engulfed in the excitement of seeing the sharks swim above and along them, the students had their widest smiles on. A group of students tried to identify the kind of sharks, but most of the others were engaged in clicking pictures of themselves with the sharks. While some students thought that the shark tunnel was their favorite, for some others, it was the jellyfish exhibit that stole their hearts. The slow and peaceful motion of jellyfish was a sight of attraction. The students then got to touch the stingrays’ velvety surface. Alongside that was an exhibit of reptiles that was not one of the favorites. Lastly, the students saw otters at the aquarium. Despite the otters being asleep, they were the cutest of animals the students saw that day. The students took a quick look at the merchandise sold at the aquarium store and bid goodbye to the sharks, otters, and the jellyfish.
After that, the students proceeded to take a walk around and explore the beauty of Pier 39! The pier was glowing in the festive season. A towering Christmas tree with shimmering ornaments and strands of lights was already set up. The atmosphere was lively and bustling, with a sense of excitement. It felt like a winter wonderland. The shops had their decor up, and it was a mesmerizing sight. The group strolled around and savored the delicacies of clam chowder and seafood. Some also stepped out on the deck to watch the sea lions sunbathing. They had a great time watching the little sea creatures. After shopping, eating, and strolling, the students bought some delectable gelato and were ready to return. The field trip was both enriching and educational. From learning about the origin of sharks in the Bay to enjoying the Christmas vibes by the Ferris wheel at the pier, the students had a fantastic experience. It was an excellent chance for the students to get to know each other and feel a sense of belonging. They expressed gratitude for the opportunity to go on this field trip and look forward to more such trips organized by ISP. The International Student Program is part of the Global Learning Programs and Services Division. ISP will continue providing services and programs for international students and the Skyline College community. If you are interested in learning more about future ISP programs and events, contact the ISP office at skyinternational@smccd.edu.
Article and photo by Jia Haria
