I leave Colombia in just 4 days. My 10 weeks have almost come to an end. Naturally my mind these days is filled with thoughts questioning my impact. Working on my projects I often felt like an observer, under-worked, and not included. Also over the course of the past 9 weeks I have felt engaged, strenuously worked, and at home. Is it a matter of weighing the underwhelming times with the triumphant times? Or does the fact that small successes exist mean that my trip as a whole can be called a success?
I don't actually know how to gauge my level of impact. The risk is making this experience all about me and what I did, which I do not want to do. However, my personal contribution must be measured because money was spent to send me here, feed me, and house me. I would like to know that the money was well spent. I suspect only once I have gone home and the experience is fully over can I reflect on it in its entirety and gauge what success meant.
1 Comment
Robin
7/18/2017 05:48:59 pm
I remember when we returned to the United States after spending three and a half years in China, I went through a similar evaluation. What did I contribute or accomplish during that time? I remember Daddy and I wrote out the various things we felt we had contributed. It was more than I had anticipated. I have no doubt that you have done good things for the environment, but more importantly, for the local people.
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Ben JohnsonI am a junior at Rice University majoring in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and minoring in Environmental Studies Archives
June 2017
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