Post trip: Gibson Lopez de Huehls

Today was the last day together as a group, and I am grateful to say that this past week has taught me so much about myself, others, and the earth. I was lucky enough to be with 19 other kind souls, all of whom had dynamic lives and personalities working together to create our big family. Throughout our time together, we were active in the community and the earth, working at multiple sites focused on nature and cultural preservation. Kiholo Bay and the Dryland Forest were two prime examples where we worked rebuilding walls in fish ponds and aiding native Hawaiian plant growth, respectively, all while learning about the rich culture and love for the land these people have. 

Throughout these adventures and more, I have learned to feel like one with the earth instead of one on the earth. From the leadership aspect of this program, I have also learned to translate these values into my interpersonal relationships. I am a very extroverted and energetic person, and since the first day have felt comfortable sharing, talking, and volunteering within the group while others were still in their shells. Because of this I often assume the role of “leader,” which essentially puts group situations as me and others. Over the course of my time in Hawaii, collaborating in research groups and conserving this place we call home, I have taught myself to be one with the group. I began to let others take the lead and feel less like others were watching the “Gibson show” and more like we were all part of one common purpose.

I hope to take these values and commitments to others home with me and apply them in all aspects of my life. Whether it be spending more time with my family as a whole, taking more care when I am with others, or thinking about life as one, I feel like my discoveries about myself can make a positive difference in myself and others’ lives. In the words of philosopher and naturalist Aldo Leopold, “We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect”.


Gibson

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