Resource Conservation Study Tour Recap
As part of a spring course on Resource Conservation, I participated in a two-week study tour in Costa Rica that brought our classroom learning to life in some of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. Before this experience, I hadn’t truly grasped what conservation looked like in practice. We visited national parks, sustainable farms, wildlife research stations, and communities working at the intersection of environmental protection and economic survival. It wasn’t just about reading case studies; it was about standing in the middle of them.
Coming from the U.S., where environmental concerns often take a backseat to development, it was eye-opening to see a country so deeply committed to sustainability. I returned home with a promise to myself: to be a spark for change, starting with small, everyday actions that collectively make a meaningful impact.
This experience reshaped how I define being a Global Citizen Scholar. I witnessed how conservation efforts are driven by culture, collaboration, and local knowledge; with the understanding how sustainability is just as much about people as it is about ecosystems. As someone pursuing a future in medicine, I now carry a deeper understanding of how local action and global thinking go hand in hand. My interest is now focused on how climate can also impact public health rather than the biodiversity. (Scandinavia Study Tour)
It also pushed me well outside my comfort zone. I had never been on a trip without air conditioning… or one where the jungle was our literal backyard.
Also, I’m fairly certain I donated half my blood volume to Costa Rican mosquitos; however, it was worth it!
Below is a collage of my experiences in Costa Rica. Enjoy!
Coming from the U.S., where environmental concerns often take a backseat to development, it was eye-opening to see a country so deeply committed to sustainability. I returned home with a promise to myself: to be a spark for change, starting with small, everyday actions that collectively make a meaningful impact.
This experience reshaped how I define being a Global Citizen Scholar. I witnessed how conservation efforts are driven by culture, collaboration, and local knowledge; with the understanding how sustainability is just as much about people as it is about ecosystems. As someone pursuing a future in medicine, I now carry a deeper understanding of how local action and global thinking go hand in hand. My interest is now focused on how climate can also impact public health rather than the biodiversity. (Scandinavia Study Tour)
It also pushed me well outside my comfort zone. I had never been on a trip without air conditioning… or one where the jungle was our literal backyard.
Also, I’m fairly certain I donated half my blood volume to Costa Rican mosquitos; however, it was worth it!
Below is a collage of my experiences in Costa Rica. Enjoy!
