23, Nervous & Absolutely No Regrets

My name is Mae and I am 23 years old. In February 2026, I had the privilege of volunteering with IPBio in Alter do Chão. Despite my initial hesitations, applying for this project turned out to be one of the best decisions. I learned so much about nature, about birds, and about myself. I developed a newfound fascination for birds and a deeper passion for protecting the environment, both of which I will carry with me long after returning home. I was fortunate to be part of the first group of the year, where everyone stayed for at least four weeks, which allowed us to truly get to know one another. The hardest part for me was definitely watching people leave. What I find so beautiful about IPBio is that everyone works toward a shared goal. The weekly presentations were a wonderful reminder of what we had collectively achieved, because it is easy to lose sight of the bigger picture when you are out in the field.

I will forever be grateful for this experience and everyone who was part of it!