Student Introductions (4/8)

Paige and Joyce of tent "Kudu Outta' Space," will now introduce themselves and give thanks to the people and organizations who helped fund their study abroad trip!

My name is Paige Lambert, and I’m a third year Environmental Science student from Sugar Land, Texas. While many aspects of environmental science interest me, I’m particularly passionate about climate change, sustainability, and environmental monitoring, as well as the interactions between a society’s culture and its surrounding environment. Graduation still seems to be a far away thing, but if you asked me now for my plans I’d say I’m going to pursue a career in advocacy and outreach – something where I can travel and interact with a wide variety of people. My experience with study abroad in Botswana has been nothing but positivity, good vibes and great learning experiences. I’d like to thank the Rappaport Foundation for their generous donation of funds to my studies, as well as my family and friends for their financial and moral support! Hook ‘em!

Dumelang tsala yame! My name is Joyce Zifei Jiang. I’m a fourth year Geography and French major with a UTeach Liberal Arts and Education minor. I love music and piano. I had some really peaceful times just listening to music while seeing the sun falling over the horizon at our camp, the Thakadu camp. I chose to study abroad in Botswana because I am always fascinated by how local people in Africa interact with the beautiful natural environments that surround them. I’m also excited to gain some fieldwork experience and methods that could contribute to my work in the future. And of course, I’m very excited to see more wild animals on the safari trip. I wish to thank my parents sincerely for supporting my dreams and all. I would also like to thank COLA, International Office and Study Abroad Office for all the help. Lastly, I wish to share a little poem about flowers that I read in the field- ‘Standing quietly by the fence, you smile your wondrous smile. I am speechless, and my senses are filled by the sound of your beautiful song, beginningless and endless. I bow deeply to you.’ Thank you.