It has been approximately one month since we returned from the Antarctica field trip, and I have had time to reflect on the trip as a whole and how sustainable practices affect not only our surrounding environment, but the planet as a whole. I also learned a lot about the continent that I did not know before. The most significant of these is the level of cooperation between nations to help preserve the ecosystem. Previously, I knew there were some regulations in place regarding land use in Antarctica, but I did not realize the extent of these regulations. This is probably one of the only areas where so many countries work together to preserve the environment while also being able to make interesting scientific advances.
This was not my first study abroad trip, but this was so different from my previous trip. I will always remember how pristine the continent was and how beautiful everything was. One aspect this trip highlighted was the importance of sustainable practices. Being so isolated from the rest of the world, the people there need to be completely self-sufficient. However, they also need to be careful not to cause unnecessary damage to the environment. This was not something I experienced on my previous study abroad trip to Edinburgh.
Additionally, as a senior in electrical engineering, most of my classes for the past two years have been strictly engineering. I had not taken a business-focused class for a long time. I really enjoyed learning about sustainable business, as it was so different from anything I had ever learned. The material covered in this class is especially relevant in today’s world, yet I never would have learned it from any of my other courses. Years into my career, I will continue to be able to apply what this course taught me to help lead a more sustainable future. After seeing how well preserved Antarctica was, I have a constant reminder that a lack of concern for the environment could jeopardize everything we saw.
