Research Assistant Program @ Gili Shark Conservation in Indonesia

Go all the way to Indonesia for a month, to be a Research Assistant at a place I've never heard of...? I thought I was out of my mind, but let me tell you it was the best decision I have ever made. The place was called Gili Shark Conservation, a name that resonated with me as a marine animal conservationist, harboring dreams of establishing my own rescue, rehabilitation, and release facility.

Gili Air, where GSC was based, was a surreal introduction to island life. Day by day, my bond with GSC and the island itself deepend. I immersed myself with learning from the locals, cherished family dinner at HQ after longs days in the ocean, and waited for the beautiful sunsets playing beach volleyball with the "Sharkies" at Blue Marlin.

But the story doesn't end there. In the blink of an eye, I transformed into a PADI Open Water Certified Diver, conquering my fear of diving, all thanks to the unwavering support and encouragement of the Gili Shark team. They believed in me, making sure I felt at ease every step of the way. Not only did I earn my Open Water, but I also achieved my PADI Scientific Diver, PADI AWARE Shark Conservation, and Conservation Diver EMP, finally joining the team on two dives around the three Gili Islands. We explored breathtaking marine life in their coral reef habitats, while then sharing laughter and discoveries on the boat after each dive. I even dove deep into new research methods previously unknown to me, eventually performing them with ease and perfection; all thanks to the Gili Shark team taking their time to teach me, making sure I fully understood the assignment. After diving with all the shark and turtles, I think I even ended up with a favorite research method that relates to them... photo ID, which you will have to find out what it is when you join Gili Shark Conservation next!!

Each day brought new experiences, never repeating the last - such as having the chance to teach local women and children swim lessons, riding bikes around the island going to each dive shop for "Unite Gili", to then running into the ocean to find our once planted seagrass restoration known as, "Harry Seagrass". In a single month, I ventured into the unknown, embraced my passion, and discovered a second home with my new family that transformed my life in many ways I never could have imagined. I was so sad to leave, but I knew one day I'll be back, and I can't wait for that day when I can reunite with Gili and its extraordinary people.