Amazingly enough, it’s already been two full weeks at the Outer Banks Fields Site! Part of me feels like I’ve been here for a year, and another part feels like I just arrived. Already my peers and I have formed close friendship as we’ve settled into the new environment here in Manteo. In our free time, we’ve attempted to make the most out of each moment on the island, going to the Saturday farmers market, trying new coffee shops, walking around downtown, and, of course, going to the beach. So far, my favorite beach access has been Coquina beach as I love the pretty, undeveloped dunes and still haven’t quite gotten over the fact that vehicles are allowed up on the sand.
Looking at jewelry at the downtown Manteo farmers market
As a part of our two week orientation, OBXFS students had the opportunity to get a surfing lesson from Christin Brown and Aaron McCall, which was one of my favorite activities we’ve done so far. As someone who’s lived in coastal North Carolina almost all my life, I’ve always been able to go to the beach. However, other than one lesson I had when I was 10, and an unsuccessful attempt two summers ago, I’ve never been surfing. Even still, it’s always been a dream of mine to learn so walking into the lesson I was very excited. As I looked out at the waves, I tried to manage my expectations: my optimistic side already imagining how I would jump up on my board and ride a perfect wave to shore even as my more realistic side knew there would be lots of trial and error involved.
Ultimately, surfing was a blast! Although I had my fair share of wipeouts, I was able to ride a few successful waves, and knew I had given it my best effort. Following the lesson, I remain determined to continue working on my surfing abilities throughout the semester, knowing that if I get good enough, I might have a new hobby to bring back to my own beach.
After Monday’s surfing lesson, my friends and I went to the old movie theater in downtown Manteo for a ‘ladies night’ on Tuesday evening. The theater was playing the classic summer romance, Dirty Dancing. Although I’ve seen the movie before, I still had a great time getting dressed up and spending time with th
e group. I have no doubt watching a movie at the cinema will become a monthly, if not weekly, occurrence for us!
My third and final highlight of the past week was having two of my best friends from Chapel Hill come down for a few nights over the long weekend.
Even though I am still settling in myself, I attempted to play ‘tour guide’ and show them all of my favorite things. We spent much of Saturday on the sound side beach in Manteo, relaxing in the sun and taking pictures together. That night, we ate at Ortega’z Southwestern Grill in downtown Manteo. (I’m still thinking about how good the sweet chili and buffalo chicken street tacos were.) Afterward, we drove to Jockey’s Ridge State Park to watch the sunset, which needless to say, was absolutely stunning.
Upon committing to this field site, I was a bit apprehensive that not being on campus would affect my relationships with those living at UNC. I feared I would lose touch with those I had gotten to know so well last year. However, after this weekend, this fear has melted away. Making it a priority to have nightly Facetime calls has made the distance manageable and, if anything, I am grateful that this experience has pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me make a whole new set of friends. To those thinking about doing this field site, I would encourage you to not focus on what you will be missing on campus, and instead think of all the cool and unique experiences you will be gaining as an OBXFS student. Even though this semester is only just beginning, I know the memories I have made so far will last well past our time here.