University of Wisconsin–Madison

Ecuador: Loghan Holland (Final Reflections)

Discoveries & Reflections

A photo of a river with brown water with many trees along the bank and two long canoes docked in the water
Photo of Tiputini River from TBS.

My most fond memory from my time in Ecuador lies not within a single instance but a collection of experiences—of which I have had the absolute privilege of experiencing. If I were to choose a specific excursion that holds the most memorabilia it would have to be my two weeks in the Amazon rainforest at the Tiputini Biodiversity Station (TBS). One might think those two weeks were filled with hikes, lectures, and projects—and though that would be true, much of what I cherish most lies within the laughter, conversations, and connections I made while at TBS.

To this day, I still cannot believe that I had the opportunity to spend two weeks surrounded and enveloped in one of the world’s most biodiverse locations. Every day I was reminded of how special it was to experience life at TBS. I can recall countless memories at TBS filled with the intoxicating sound of laughter: this laughter came unannounced and without reason but each time it left me feeling grateful to be alive and to be surrounded by genuine authentic people.

A photo of a vibrant sunset behind the silhouette of a tree
A sunset from the tree tower at TBS.

An accumulation of my experiences in Ecuador has taught me that life is meant to be lived. Meaning that there is power, peace, and even prosperity that can only be experienced in the present moment. Before studying in Ecuador, I often found myself completing task after task—almost in monotony. Because of this I was never able to fully appreciate the present moment. Since being here, I have learned that there is significance in the present moment even when nothing appears to be happening.

Ultimately, I am glad that I had the opportunity to study and live life in Ecuador. I am grateful to all the people I have met and interacted with and all that I have learned from Ecuadorian culture. I hope to bring what I have learned and incorporate my experiences back to my life in the United States.

A photo of a group of seven people standing by the bank of a river
A farewell photo with my friends from TBS. Left to right: Laura, Diana, Jaen, Loghan (me), Raquel, Santiago, and Carlos.
Loghan smiles in front of a blurred background indoors.

Loghan Holland

Major: Botany, Cello Performance

Hometown: Blue Springs, Missouri

Program: Ceiba Tropical Conservation Semester: Galapagos, Andes and Amazon