In the Beginning
The dream that is A-B-Sea Foundation is based on a love for exploring the hidden wonders in our backyard. We started by asking questions and working to answer our questions with research and experimentation in our college courses. A volunteer experience with the Society of Women Engineers inspired us to begin putting together science modules based on water to inspire local kids. As our wonders continued to grow, we began to wonder about differnt parts of the world. An opportunity to research in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba was also an opportunity to share hidden wonders with the youth whose families are stationed at that US Naval Station (GTMO).
In case you aren't familiar with the area, GTMO is a small Naval Station located in south Cuba. Partly due to political relations between the US and Cuba and the fact that Cuba is an island, the base is very isolated and travel to and from the base is rather expensive. Co-founder, Melissa Steinman, was stationed at the base during a tour of duty with the US Coast Guard. During her time at GTMO, she became very involved with the community. She noticed that children of the service personnel stationed in GTMO don't have the same field trip opportunities in school that schools elsewhere do. So we decided to offer the W.T. Sampson School a student outreach program.
Originally we proposed to work with about 50 students, but that quickly turned in 5-12th grade or about 150 students. We took out marine science students on our sampling trips and showed them how to do plankton tows, check water quality, and maintain a safe working environment in the field. We spent two days in the classroom with students bringing them marine creatures from their own backyard bay and beaches, and water samples to examine for microscopic critters and water quality. The students and teachers loved it!
We returned home successful and freshly inspired by the students' and teachers' wonder for science. One of our professors, Dr. Kevin Johnson, suggested that we turn our passion for teaching into a business. We thought better yet an educational non-profit. So here we are... sharing the love of wonder with the world.