Student Introductions (5/8)

Ben and Sam, who have (aptly) named their tent "Dirt Dynasty," will now present their student introductions and thank those that made their trip possible!

I’m Sam Castillo, a Geography major concentrating on GIS, in addition to working towards a Business Foundations Certificate. Born and raised in Dallas, TX, conducting undergraduate research in Africa is a unique blessing and opportunity that I’m making the most of. I found out about this program when it was presented in one of my classes. I am enjoying the different landscapes, wildlife, climate, and the group dynamics of the student team and staff that is with me. I’d like to thank my parents, and the COLA Scholarship for enabling me to participate in this program. I’d like to take experience of international policies, cultures, and business alongside land management, and hopefully be able to apply it to my career after college.

Hello everyone, my name is Ben Strodel. I am currently studying Psychology at the University of Texas while actively pursuing business in the form of real estate, oil and gas, and banking. I graduated from Highland Park High School in Dallas, Texas in 2011. My interest in this program grew from my love of the outdoors and wildlife, as well as learning the facts of our world and all of the connections between us and our environment. Botswana offered hands on exposure and knowledge that could not be replicated, making it too difficult to pass up. I want to thank my parents and my sisters for their unconditional love and support throughout my life. Their encouragement made this experience possible, and I cannot wait to share with them what I have learned.