As I begin my next semester of college, I am able to reflect on my time in Antarctica and Argentina as well as my initial impressions of the continent. My initial impression of Antarctica were based on my assumptions that I would be seeing a lot of Emperor Penguins or that it would be unbearably cold. However, both of these were not the case. The Emperor Penguins were on the other side of the peninsula, so we were not able to see any of them and the cold was present, but it was much different than my initial thoughts. I was able to wear one or two layers during the times we were on the expeditions and even times where I wore three layers – I found myself not needing to wear the third layer.
Furthermore, I have been able to reflect on the implications of sustainable business after my time in Antarctica. I was able to see the role of the sustainable business has had on the environment as many of the countries as well as the companies are working together to help preserve the environment for the animals and for the future. Through this lens, I am able to watch the way that we are continuing to affect the environment in business as we produce pollution and waste in the environment. Without this production of pollution and waste, Antarctica is able to remain preserved for the animals living in the environment and continues to allow visitors to travel in the future. The study abroad has allowed me to reflect on the views of sustainable international business and leadership and will continue to use the lessons that I learned in the future.
