Summary
My first week at OSA conservation has been focussed on settling in, adjusting to the living environment, climate, routine on campus and meeting the lovely staff, interns, and volunteers. I have been learning about the history of the area, seeing animals I have only ever seen in photographs and had the chance to shadow other interns in the completion of everyday duties as a sea turtle intern.
This first week has presented change and unfamiliarity, testing my character and strength, however I am excited to see how the coming weeks progress.
Highlights
I am proud of how I overcame the adversity faced with both my flights cancelled and coordinating my taxi to the campus without non-english speaking individuals. I am proud of the proactive and all-in approach I have taken since being here, driven to take part in every opportunity possible to get the most out of my time here. A key highlight at the end of the week was a trip with colleagues to surf at a nearby beach on our day off.
Challenges and setbacks
An initial challenge was my flight cancellation. However, staying calm and prepared enabled me to successfully organise an alternative course of travel with minimal disruption to my start date.
My project at present is a little uncertain due to a co-ordination change within the organisation, however I have instead asked to support others with their work to remain useful.
Applying character dimensions, change maker values and leadership capacities
This week I have drawn upon my bravery. I have had to instantaneously normalise living amongst rainforest wildlife with the bunked cabin walls only being mesh, which I would have formerly been nervous about. My courage has been used to persist, cope with the entry of a boa constrictor and begin overcoming fears.
Whilst the language barrier has presented a challenge due to my minimal spanish knowledge; I have still been curious and determined to learn about the work of others, not letting it be a barrier and have therefore adapted my communication style to overcome this. I hope to also learn more of the language during my time here. I have brought an inclusive and respectful mindset, focussed on learning about the diverse cultures of individual across the world, all brought to OSA conservation for a common goal.
Whilst at present my project is still uncertain, I have been creative developing my own tasks, such as forming a ‘cheat sheet’ that new interns can use for morning censuses.
Ethical engagement with the community
I have actively taken a supporting role, respecting the positions of others within the organisation, with a focus of learning from those around. Through this I have gained insight into the requirements of my position alongside the history of the conservation area.
Goals for the week ahead
Next week I aim to further my learning, alongside developing and distilling my project. I also hope to finalise the ‘cheat sheet’, developing a spanish version to ensure it is accessible, alongside testing my bravery by going on a trail alone, even if it is only short.