Student Introductions (2 of 2)

Here, the students present themselves and give thanks to the many people and organizations who helped them with funding in order to make their study abroad experience possible!!

 Dumela! My name is Emma, or Setswana Loapi. I will be a sophomore in the fall majoring in Environmental Science in the Geology track. I chose to come to Botswana because I am interested in the political and social aspects of environmental issues. I would like to thank the Forty Acres Scholars Program, the Texas Exes, and the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation for funding my trip and believing in my potential. I would also like to thank my amazing family for supporting my passions. This experience has greatly influenced my perspective and enriched my education in a life changing way! I hope this is the beginning of a lifetime of environmental work. I have always dreamt of coming to Africa to experience the beautiful culture and outdoors.

Hello! I’m Erin Kelbly. I am a senior studying International Relations and Global Studies - Science, Technology, and the Environment track. I am a member of UT’s FACE AIDS chapter. I chose to come to Botswana because I love savanna ecosystems and I hope to work in Africa in the future with the Peace Corps. I have strong interests in the social and political aspects associated with environment and climate change, so I am excited to be gaining field work experience that will contribute to my understanding on the subject matter. I’d like to thank my family for helping make this experience of a lifetime possible.

Hola gente! My name is Maggie Arréllaga and I am a fourth year International Relations and Global Studies major with a track focus in Environmental Science and a minor in Latin American Studies. I chose to study abroad in Botswana because I wanted a unique experience that would give me insight into field research in my areas of interest as I think about graduate school and future goals. I’d like to thank my family, Liberal Arts Honors, and the UT Study Abroad office for helping me get to this wonderful place. Saludos desde el Kalahari!!

Hi! My name is Margaret Acres and I’m majoring in Mechanical Engineering. I wanted to study abroad in Botswana to explore savannas through field work and safaris. I want to thank my parents, family, and COLA for helping me join this study abroad program.

Hi! I’m Loraine Ng, a senior in Geography and Urban Studies. My decision to join this program was driven by wanting to research vegetation in Botswana’s natural ecosystem. Now that I’m here, I’m glad to be learning the methods and contributing to the research. A perk about being at Thakadu is seeing the animals (elands, springboks, ostriches, warthogs, etc.) at close proximity. I would like to give thanks to IEFS, COLA, and Hammond Foundation, and my mom for making my attendance in the program possible.

Dumela! My name is Sabryna Sulak. I am an International Relations and Global Studies major and an Asian Studies minor. After graduation I want to work in either Austin or India, focusing on sustainability and land use, which we are learning about here! After a few years, I want to go to graduate school. I would like to thank COLA, the International Education Fee Scholarship, and the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship for help in funding this trip.

Howdy! I am Marshall! I am going into my third year of college and am studying Geography and Environmental Science. It is a dream come true to finally have made it to Africa and it has been incredible. I like to be goofy and love a bit of adventure. Thanks mom and dad for sending me here, I love you guys!!