Homeward Bound

            And my time here in Tanzania has come to an end– for now! It’s our last day at Moyo Hill and it’s been very bittersweet. We had a program debrief with all of the staff members this morning – professors, student manager, kitchen crew, night guards, drivers, etc. It was a really nice (and emotional!) way to look back on the experience in all its academic, field work, and cultural aspects. I’m so sad to be leaving, but at the same time I can’t wait to go home. Culture shock is already starting to set in, and I’m beginning to slowly transition myself into getting a grip on working for the rest of the summer.

            Even so, this whole month has gone by in a flash. And I know people always say that about the incredible trips they go on, and this one is no exception. We were so immersed in field work and cultural experiences that time just vanished. It’s hard to believe that by this time tomorrow, I’ll already be at the Kilimanjaro airport waiting to fly back to Amsterdam and then, finally, JFK. I’m ready to go, but I know I’ll be missing the great friendships I’ve made, even in such a short period of time.

            But as I said before, this trip has gone above and beyond my wildest expectations. Going into it, I’m sure many of you had asked me what I would be doing here. And to tell you the truth – I had no idea. I knew I was going to be learning about wildlife management. But in all honesty, what did that even mean? Now, when you ask me that question again, you’ll be much more satisfied with my answer, that’s for sure. The techniques the professors taught us to use in the field are ones we’ll keep with us for years as aspiring environmental conservationists! Everything we’ve learned has made us better students and better thinkers – wildlife management is now at the forefront of my academic interests!

            As I start to pack up my bags, the feeling I felt when I was leaving Kenya the summer before my senior year of high school (when I was a young 17 year old!) is very similar. I’ve enjoyed my time immensely in my second home in Africa (Brooklyn is first, but does Cornell count as a third?). I have no regrets at all during the trip – every experience in the field, every bit of knowledge of species ecology, cultural values, and human-wildlife conflicts have been sopped up and stored in my mind forever. But most importantly, without fail, Africa continues to floor me with its unconditional warmth and welcome – which is not what Africa is always known for back in the United States. It’s truly become a place where I feel I’ve been able to appreciate life more than ever before and see the world in a vastly different light.

            Thanks again to everyone who read about my adventures! I really enjoyed sharing photos and stories along the way. Have a wonderful rest of the summer – see you soon in Brooklyn, North Haven, or Ithaca! Love you all.

Last group photo!