"Ornithology class in January was a great opportunity! The best kind of learning
for me is when I get to go outdoors and gain experiences. It is not the same to
sit in a classroom and learn features of species of birds as it is when you are
able to see them in real life and identify them as they fly by. We all learned
so much on the trip not only about birds, but all kinds of wildlife. We had the
opportunity to talk with people in environmental careers and see what they do
for a living. They shared their experiences in the field and how they got to
where they are today. We also had the chance while we were in Florida and the
Bahamas to learn about marine life. I never thought I would get the chance to
swim with manatees, a Reef shark, stingrays, barracudas, and see a spotted eagle
ray all in one trip! It was incredible to see all of the wildlife along with all
of the beautiful birds that fly there for the winter. It was by far my favorite
class I have ever taken. We all had the time of our lives while learning so
much. This trip has definitely opened my eyes more to preserving species and
their habitats. It has also made me realize that I would love to continue to
study abroad. I believe everyone should pursue an experience like we had in this
class; which is an opportunity to learn from real life experiences and being
able to reach out and use all of your senses to make your own conclusions about
the world around you."
