In March of 2020, my bags stood packed in the hallway, my passport in hand, I was ready for the long flight; however, as it would soon turn out, the flight was not ready for me. With closed borders, my plans changed several more times before finally, the spring of 2022 arrived. Though my original destination, Australia, was no longer an option, with ten days’ notice, I jumped on a…
I made it! I’m finally here! I step off the boat and take in the moment. It is one of those Shoot-I-am-just-so-thankful-moments. It is a WOW moment. A Bigness moment. A life is GOOD moment. All the little logistics leading up to this point no longer matter. In this moment, life is as good as it gets. After weeks of preparation, lectures, excursions, and planning, I have finally arrived at…
While studying abroad, I have discovered the true meaning of adaptability. As my program operates in remote locations and in unpredictable ecosystems, adapting to changing conditions and overcoming obstacles has become an essential life lesson. Whether the roadblocks are physical, social, mental, or emotional, I’ve realized that a) I am not alone, b) that my feelings are valid, and c) the best way to move forward is to adjust my…
Salama! My name is Rylie Talmadge, and I am a junior majoring in Marine Biology and minoring in Psychology and Environmental and Sustainability Studies. Currently I am studying abroad with SIT in Tanzania. In deciding where to study abroad, I limited my search to marine-focused and immersive experiences, hopefully with the ability to conduct hands on fieldwork which directed me to SIT Coastal Ecology and Marine Resource Studies. I was…
