I am in the middle of a dirt road, that’s all I know. There are many people walking around a busy market in the middle of a plaza that is covered in dirt and sand. Seeing no other options, I walk along the dusty path toward the crowd. Distressed, I look at the signs and listen to the strange and unfamiliar dialect of the locals. How did I get here? Where am I?

With the United States seeing an increase in states that allow same-sex marriage, it seems that things are going pretty well for the LGBT community. Not only does the legalization of gay marriage allow LGBT individuals to be wed, but it also validates the community by accounting for their rights in our constitution.

New York is a huge and wonderful city, with great people (even if at rush hour people can get a little pushy), famous tall buildings, and city parks that have endless paths to walk on, along with amazing history. I have lived in the city that never sleeps for 11 years, and can proudly say that I’m a city girl.

A group of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi students spent the summer in Riviera Maya in the only program in the nation that blends dolphin research and hands-on animal care to become knowledgeable, effective science communicators who can share the importance of marine mammal health and a story of environmental conservation.