Jessica Bonilla
My experience at COA nurtured many parts of my life that went beyond traditional academics. Through fisheries focused courses and with the encouragement of my friends Ella and Rocky, I had the opportunity to work as a sternman in Corea, Maine.
With support from my mentors, I was able to explore and build relationships with coastal communities and form friendships that continue to shape my life and work. That support allowed me to pursue research grounded in my time on the water and my connections within the industry. Currently, I am working on a master’s degree in marine policy at the University of Maine, where my thesis focuses on how women in the lobster industry are adapting to change. None of this would have happened without the academic and personal support I received at COA.
What I appreciate most about COA is the space to be creative. I was able to pursue many passions at once, which made that time in my life truly special. When you’re living in such a beautiful place alongside passionate people, it’s hard not to feel inspired. There is room to explore, change direction, and build an education that feels honest to who you are becoming. The small classes and close relationships made learning feel relational rather than transactional, and that continues to shape how I approach research and community work today.
To prospective students, especially those who don’t come from families with a background in higher education, who are older or considered unconventional, or who have struggled to find a place to call home, I encourage you to try this place. I guarantee the ocean will change you. Always for the better.