Learning on Excursions
My entire experience was about learning in the field. I was surrounded by field excursions and lectures. My all time favorite though is our first field trip.
Our first week in, we drove to three different locations. The first on a high location viewing the communities below. Here we talked about habitat fragmentation and how carnivores are affected. We were able to see the causes occurring right in front of our eyes which was extremely eye opening and essential to learning.
The second location was with a guest lecturer who had lived in the growing community of Mto wa Mbu for the past 30 years. He provided first hand experience on how the community and mindset has changed in regards to wildlife. We also were able to get amazing descriptions on how the land has changed over time. Our last location was at the bottom of the mountains. It was dry vegetation with warmer weather and flat lands.
Our last location showed us how drastically the vegetation and land can change in a 20 minute drive and the Maasai land. A huge part of carnivore studies is managing human wildlife conflicts and combating the issue of habitat fragmentation. The three locations were intended to show us first-hand the issues and how they can be a problem. We were asked to analyze the locations and point out things we noticed. This was one of the coolest experiences as I had never had a learning experience such as this one. I will forever cherish the information I learned and the connections I made.
Daniela Hernandez
Major: Zoology
Hometown: Long Beach, California
Program: SFS Wildlife Management & Wildlife Research in Tanzania
Receiving the Global Gateway Fellowship signifies a remarkable opportunity to expand horizons. This fellowship, a prestigious honor, is not something I take lightly. It opens the door to travel and study in a place and subject that might have otherwise been out of reach. This chance to explore new cultures and academic environments is invaluable, and I am committed to making the most of it, embracing every learning experience that comes my way.
My personal goal during the Global Gateway Fellowship is to meet new people and form lifelong friendships. I believe that building connections with diverse individuals will enrich my experience and broaden my perspective. Professionally, I am on a pre-vet path, and this program presents a unique opportunity to advance my academic and career goals.
The safari experience is something I plan to cherish and share with others, inspiring them with my adventures and the knowledge I acquire. This opportunity will not only enrich my understanding of animal behavior and management but also broaden my cultural perspective, enhancing both my personal and professional growth.