Journalism Team

I’m Kaia Beddows, a sophomore at Washington and Lee University majoring in English, with minors in French and Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies. I’m passionate about exploring the intricacies of identity and belonging through creative storytelling, particularly in poetry. Growing up abroad nurtured my love for language, culture and personal connection, especially in how people relate to heritage, tradition and the land they call home. Writing about the impacts of rising temperatures on this vibrant island has challenged me to listen more deeply and write more intentionally. Ultimately, I aim to give voice to what’s too often overlooked and to connect with others through words that carry both urgency and essence.

My name is Turi Trainor, and I’m a sophomore student-athlete studying journalism and English at Washington and Lee University. As an athlete, I am passionate about telling the stories of those athletes whose hard work and dedication go unnoticed. At first I wasn’t sure how this passion would connect to telling the story of climate change in Barbados, but I quickly realized the parallels. Just like under-the-radar athletes, Barbados’ determined efforts to combat the climate crisis often go unnoticed. I've witnessed firsthand the resilience and commitment of the Barbadian people and government in their fight for a more sustainable future. Their example has inspired me to be more mindful of my own environmental impact and to use my voice to share their story with others.

I'm Dominic Vogelbacher, a sophomore politics major who enjoys imitating the Elmo voice and eating limp asparagus. I write for The W&L Spectator, a student newspaper, covering campus events. I also write for a couple of online publications, covering higher education and political topics nationwide. During my time in Barbados, I have especially appreciated the opportunity to scuba dive and talk with fishermen. By spending time with them on their boats, I've discovered and developed a deep appreciation for the pristine marine environments surrounding the island. I am thankful for the opportunity to use my writing skills to express my newfound passions for exploring the underwater realm and consuming mahi-mahi. 

My name is Shay Bowman. I am a sophomore at Washington and Lee University from Atlanta, Ga. I am a double major in journalism and politics and a philosophy minor. I came to Barbados excited to speak to leaders on the forefront of tackling climate change. But I have been the most impacted by stories about how climate change affects and threatens the daily lives of Barbadians. Conversations with fisherfolk, scholars, tour guides and even our taxi driver resonated the most with me. In Pile Bay, I went out on a small fishing boat for several hours to learn how pivotal fishing is to Bajan culture and the devotion behind every step of the process. I have been reminded to never forget that the smallest voices can often be the most powerful.

I’m Cami Knott, a sophomore at Washington and Lee University studying journalism, philosophy, and law, justice and society. I came to Barbados expecting to cover climate change as a global issue, driven by data and policy. But what I found was far more personal. At Pile Bay, I spoke with women who scale fish by hand. Their livelihoods are threatened by rising fuel costs, smaller catches and unpredictable weather. Their everyday realities are shaped by systems far beyond their control. I’ve always believed that justice starts with understanding. This course has reminded me that listening is just as important as reporting, and that the most powerful stories come from those living closest to the crisis. The kind of journalism I want to do builds bridges between lived experience and the systems that shape it.

My name is Audrey Foss, and I am a first-year student at Washington and Lee University. I am planning to major in politics and History with a minor in Law, Justice and Society. I am passionate about international diplomacy and fostering cooperation to solve many world issues, including climate change. After completing my undergraduate studies, I hope to get a masters in public policy and then attend law school. My hometown is Pensacola, Fla., a coastal city that has allowed me to feel many of the effects of climate change firsthand through experiencing hurricanes, warming temperatures, and changes in the fish populations. My time in  Barbados has allowed me to contribute to bringing awareness to the global climate crisis while learning the foundations of journalism through first-hand experience.

My name is Hayden Kirby and I am a first-year student at Washington and Lee University. I will soon declare a double major in art history and strategic communication and minor in archaeology. I was born and raised in Little Rock, Ark., and my time there has led me to think about how structural inequalities affect people’s day-to-day lives. I’m interested in people’s attitudes towards their government, their neighbors and their future. While working and studying in Barbados, I’ve continued to explore such topics and more. At the end of the day, I just want to write stories that would make my parents proud.

My name is Aiden Kelsey, and my life has always been shaped by the people around me. My family taught me the importance of truth and transparency. A diverse group of friends reminds me that every story has more than one side. I can think of no better calling than to write honest, multidimensional stories, and that's why I'm studying journalism at Washington and Lee University. I'm only a sophomore, but I've grown in many ways during my two years at W&L. I've learned from my time in Barbados that I still have a lot of growing to do. Serious issues such as the climate crisis necessitate mature, curious and conscientious reporters. The world needs people who aren't afraid to dig deep and tell the whole story. I pray I'll be up to the challenge.

My name is Rhonica Ann Connor, and I come from a small, but beautiful island in the Caribbean, called Anguilla. I love to exercise, create, read, write poetry and perform it. This Barbados spring term trip caught my interest immediately because I have long admired Barbados’ national and international efforts to advocate for the mitigation of climate change. I was inspired by Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s speech at COP28, which focused on small island states that bear the consequences of what developed nations do. While on this trip, I learned a lot more than I could’ve imagined. It is my goal to take what I learned, go back to my island and create an initiative to help lessen the impact of global warming on the planet. While I’m in Barbados, I’ve been excited to converse with locals and find out their views on different topics. I also love embracing life here and getting experiences like going out with fishermen, line fishing for my own fish and eating it.