Make Friends While Making A Difference

The summer of 2010 I traveled to Australia with International Student Volunteers. My mission: complete projects with the Department of Sustainability and Energy. Each day involved something new. I worked along side the local old-time forest rangers learning about the area and ways they are conserving. One day I installed cameras in a forest to determine whether or not the DSE would conduct a controlled burn of the area based on the animal movement in the area. Other days I surveyed land for endangered plants. Other tasks involved building fences, weeding noxious plants, planting, and eating local treats.

The trip encompassed more than volunteering--I got to know a group of college students from across the country. We spent the first two weeks in secluded areas surrounded by wildlife. In the mornings we woke up to kangaroos eating outside our doors. In the evenings we went on hikes, nature walks, and to the small local pub (we met a reporter and made it on the front page of their paper!)

Following the two weeks of volunteering, we embarked on the greatest adventure of our lives. We met up with other volunteer groups to travel the east coast of Australia. Along the way we surfed, rappelled, snorkeled, shopped, hiked, swam, four-wheeled, encountered native animals, experienced native culture, and bungy jumped. The bonds we made will last a life-time.

Following that month long journey, a few of us opted to travel to Fiji for a week of relaxation in the sun.

Leading up to the trip, I solicited everyone I knew for donations. Donations are tax deductible; therefore many people are inclined to donate! The money was well-spent as I returned with great friends, amazing pictures, and a new sense of the world.