Heather Moulton, University of New Hampshire
We shall never cease from exploration,
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started,
And know the place for the first time.
~ T.S. Eliot
Only recently have I looked back on the past ten weeks and realized how much I have retained from my experiences here at EcoQuest. I must admit that I wake up every morning and pinch myself, asking, "Am I really in this place of immense beauty, with such loving and knowledgeable people, having the time of my life, and learning?"
The form of education here is so unconventional, in classrooms void of desks or lecturers. We are among various environments and wildlife, dealing with real issues and real people. I am constantly surrounded by a wealth of knowledge and experience from figures of political, scientific, natural, and cultural importance. The faculty and staff are more like friends than teachers. I have, however, learned more from them regarding nature, conservation, observation, analysis, and relationships than any textbook could ever teach me.
New Zealand is a wonderful, stunningly beautiful, and interesting place to study. There is a dire need to conserve what is left, since the country's rich geologic and social history has left the native flora, fauna and landscapes in a rare state of vulnerability. Its isolation has left a large percentage of fascinating creatures to be found nowhere else. Since human settlement, the impacts of habitat alteration, introduced invasive species, pollution, and overpopulation have severely threatened the sustainability of such a variety of life. Extinctions are becoming the norm, and virtually no habitat can be called "native".
There is hope, however. Local and international efforts are attempting to preserve and restore what habitats and species are left. As a student in EcoQuest, I have not just heard about these efforts, but I have been privileged and overjoyed to witness and engage in them.
Much of the program involves traveling to various locations of ecological, economic, and/or cultural importance. These included wildlife refuges where rare native species could be seen and heard in vaster numbers than anywhere else, marine reserves where any form of taking life within the waters is prohibited, and popular tourist attractions with critical consequences.
How promising and exciting it was to go to these places! I saw and heard species that exist no where else, witnessed the success of new technologies, experienced active pest control and thriving areas of reintroduced species, and practiced Maori traditions. My mind will always be boggled by what I have been exposed to and have learned from. It is truly a privilege and an encouragement.
We are currently in the beginning stages of Directed Research Projects, which encourage us to apply and funnel our experiences into one specific topic. The research, experiments, and presentation of the results allow us to contribute to the education and reversal of New Zealand's quickly vanishing biodiversity.
I am excited to go home and apply what I have learned here. I want to become a part of the action in the current issues and developments of this world. The people and places of EcoQuest have facilitated the discovery of what my role is in society, in a career, and in relationships. The lasting friendships created here and wealth of applied knowledge has led me to clarify my realistic goals, personal strengths, and genuine desires.
Yes, exploration - it is constant and real. It is exciting and challenging, personal and relational. It is here and there, past and present. It is timeless companionship and awe-inspiring places. It is awareness and application, ideas and solutions. It is discovery and it is change. It is EcoQuest.