- While in Australia, we traveled to multiple cities in Queensland. This allowed us to learn from the natural environment that varied so much in these different regions. We participated in research with koalas and the Great Barrier Reef, while having lectures on every aspect of Australia’s climate, geography, history, and culture.
- The world is much bigger than Henry county, where I grew up. Every day I can sense that I’m understanding this more and more. My travels around the world only enhance these understandings. In Australia, I got to experience may different environments that are directly impacted by what I/we do, here, in the USA. For instance, increased greenhouse gases have contributed to a higher sea temperature, which is causing algal blooms and coral bleaching in the Great Barrier Reef. In landlocked Columbus, they impacts are not always so apparent. Opportunities like this have helped me realize that there are some small changes in my life that could contribute to bettering situations around the world. For example, since I have returned from Australia, I have cut out the use of disposable water bottles. I now use reusable glass water bottles. I have also quit using plastic grocery bags, instead, I turn to reusable bags. My travels are impact my personality. I have been given so many cool opportunities and I have loads of amazing stories to tell people. With each trip, I discover more about my own interests and even how I interact with other people. Australia has given me stories, new friends, and great contacts for my future.
- As I was growing up and entering high school, I didn’t have the closest of friends or the best social connections. I’m very family oriented. Everyone on my trip gathered this by the amount of times that I talked to my parents on the trip. This STEP project stuck me with 20 people that I had no idea who they were, for 22 days or so. I began the trip quiet, keeping to myself, my notes were very detailed, and I was enjoying the trip. By the end, I had 20 new friends and relationships that I still have to this day. Instead of sticking to my notes, I was really living the experience. One experience in particular that influenced a lot of my perception of this trip was the entire day we devoted to koalas. Being an animal science major, I’m naturally drawn to learning more and more about creatures. Exotic animals are my specialty. First of all, I am still in contact with multiple people from this particular interaction. Secondly, I absorbed every single piece of information that was thrown at me that day. This was one of those experiences that confirmed that I’m in the correct major and I’m going to love what I do in the future. Another opportunity that came my way was not exactly on our itinerary. Actually the activities that I did on my own time were some of the most memorable experiences. This one in particular was in Port Douglas after we had spent three days snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef and doing research. We had a free day to do as we pleased. I chose to do another, separate, snorkeling trip. This one was specifically to see sea turtles out on the reef. Well it ended up that the island that we were based on for this trip was the last place that Steve Irwin was alive. He was transported to this island after his accident. I adored him as a child and he influenced my career choices. This experience really meant a lot to me to pay my respects. Every opportunity, like this one, has sculpted my appreciation for my career field.
- Personally, these experiences have changed me into a more environmentally conscious person. Not using water bottles or grocery bags is a small portion of what could be done by every person. I’m glad to be grouped into that category of people. Academically, these trips give me fuel to get through my next semester of courses and give me something to look forward to. I can also apply a lot of what I learned in Australia to my classes every day. Professionally, this trip really assured me I’m doing what I love, traveling and studying animals. Not many people can feel so sure of what they’re doing in life, as I am.
Link to my blog: http://www.travelpod.com/members/becca.geer
It sounds like the experience not only helped you grow in terms of your professional interests and goals, but also your personal development in terms of working with others.