A student from the US with Bermudian family ties dating back generations has made the island her home after enrolling in a marine science course at Bermuda College.

The 18-year-old from Charlotte, North Carolina said that Bermuda has long been her “happy place” and she has been visiting the island since the age of 11.

Ms Law’s great-great-grandfather, Albert E Nicholl, came to Bermuda from England in 1917, during the First World War, as Chief Examination Officer for the Royal Navy Reserve at St George’s, and gave generously to the education of Bermudians.

Her grandmother, Sandra Nicholl, was raised on the island.

Though her grandmother now lives in Florida, Ms Law says she feels “more at home here than where I grew up”.

Drawn by deep family roots and a passion for the ocean, Ms Law is now pursuing an Associate Degree in Marine Science, with hopes of a career in conservation and research.

“I just really wanted to give back to Bermuda,” she said.

“Every time I’ve visited, I felt more connected to the island and its natural beauty. Marine science gives me a way to help protect it.”

She said she aims to apply for an internship at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences and ultimately hopes to work as a marine biologist or research assistant.

Ms Law, who is staying at her great-grandfather’s former home with family friends, said of her time at the college: “I love my professors — they’re outgoing, funny and supportive.

“If you're passionate about the ocean, this is the place to be. The reefs, the research opportunities, the people — it’s all amazing.”