As I prepare to embark on this journey to Antarctica I feel both excited and afraid. I am excited to experience something that few ever have and ever will. I am excited to experience the beauty of the continents geography and the animals that inhabit it. I am excited to learn more about our planet first hand rather than through a screen thousands of miles away. Although I am also scared. I am scared for the future of Antarctica. I am scared that my journey to Antarctica might accelerate its degradation through copious emissions and unnecessary pollution. I am scared that most people who go on this journey miss the importance and just see it as a fun activity rather than an opportunity to reevaluate perspectives on the environment and their life in general.
A goal for my self is to reconnect with nature. When i was young my favorite thing was to be outside with the animals watching and listening for hours. I feel more distant than ever and I hope this opportunity will allow me to reconnect in one of the most beautiful natural environments there is.
I also hope to learn more about the environment and the natural processes that make life possible in such a harsh climate. As a business student I don’t get to learn topics like this in depth so I am eager to learn from the experts onboard and their experiences.
I hope to gain a new perspective on sustainable business through this experience as well. Through this program we will be on a vessel which must operate within IATTO Guidelines, forcing them to operate somewhat sustainably. I am curios to learn how they reach compliance while providing an enjoyable experience for customers. What procedures must they use to minimize impact to the environment? How do they keep both the animals and the guests safe? How is the guests experience altered by these measures to reduce impact? How can I incorporate these lessons into my future career and future leadership style?