Post-trip: A Week to Remember by Sarah O'Donnell

Over the week, we had many unique experiences you can’t find anywhere else. The big island of Hawaii is remarkable and different from anywhere I’ve ever been. The eleven climate zones all offer an interesting array of places to explore and things to do. Furthermore, the cultural connection to each place we visited was incredible. From Kiholo Bay to the dryland forest, it was clear how much the local people cared for and loved their land. The connections people there had to the nature around them were very different than how we treat nature in the mainland US. Here we are often separated from the natural world, viewing it from a distance rather than forging a real connection like the Hawaiians do.

Overall, the week was a great experience for me to grow and develop as I learned about new cultures, new approaches to leadership, and scientific research methods. I have opened myself up more to new ideas and people, and that definitely was part of what made this week special. By the end of the week, I felt very connected with the people I spent my time with, and saying goodbye was very difficult. I’m very much going to miss all the interesting people I’ve met and all the amazing places I’ve seen. I wish the week had been longer, and I could have gotten to know the people I was with even more.

I’m so grateful for all the opportunities I was given on this trip to be myself. My life at home and school is hectic and challenging, and I don’t often get to step back and relax and be. Over the week, I’ve realized how important it is to take a deep breath and talk to someone else, to really connect with nature and the people around me, and that is something I will take back with me.

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