Student Introductions (Erik and Jack)

Last up for the guys on the trip is Erik and Jack, who will now introduce themselves and thank the people and organizations that helped fund their experience abroad.

It is in this land one must remember to appreciate the essentials we have learned to take for granted: warm showers, air conditioning, heat, musical instruments, abundance of food, seemingly infinite amenities, and things to do. Let us not forget clean air and crystal clear skies. These perceived essentials are in reality luxuries, comforts we have snuggled into, learned to hold on to. Life in the west can make one forget the true essentials; fire, water, food, air, earth and sunshine for it is true what they say the things that we need are already within us. I sadly have forgotten the art of living naturally; being in this barren environment has shown me that I have not the slightest clue what living naturally (as an indigenous person) is actually like. I thank my family for allowing me this glimpse of what such a life entails as well as the chance to develop my mind academically. I thank my friends and my band for their patience, understanding and support. And I thank the COLA for further financial support. I am a geography major specializing in GIS. I am a music lover that finds great enjoyment in both playing and composing. I also am in love with nature, which for me, being immersed in the natural beauty of the universe is therapy. I pursue a career geared towards environmental harmony, geographically and musically.

Dumela, my name is Jack Lane and I’m a sophomore at UT in the Liberal Arts Honors College. My major at UT is International Relations and Global Studies, with a focus on technology and the environment. When I began my first year at UT I had no idea that it would end with a study abroad program in Botswana; however, after taking an introduction to environmental science with Professor Thoralf I was sold. I would like to thank my mom, grandparents, and the College of Liberal Arts for all their ongoing support. Keitumetse!