Student Introductions II

"Seasoned" Sam

Dumelang! (Hello!) My name is Sam Lewis and I am a senior studying Geology and Geography at the University of Texas. I am currently in Ghanzi, Botswana participating in a one of a kind study abroad experience. The chance to spend time with Dr. Kelley Crews and Dr. Thoralf Meyer and learn from them in the amazing country of Botswana is genuinely an experience that I expect to hold near and dear for years to come. I am so grateful to my family and friends for being supportive of me and my adventures, especially my father and brother who are watching my kitty. Thanks Mark (happy belated birthday!), give Ashe a good rub for me. Also I would like to thank the Bernard and Audre Rapoport endowment for International and Multidisciplinary Studies for their generous financial support which helped me over the funding hurdle. These six weeks, for me, will be spent studying the social and environmental effects of climate change. I hope to use this experience to not only give me another line on my C.V., but to further spread my personal perceptions and allow me to continue along a path to help us better manage the resources afforded to us by our amazing planet. Salang sentle (good bye), until we meet again!

"Kickass" Katie

Dumelang (Hello)! My name is Katie Gibbon and I am a senior at UT majoring in Geography. I want to join Professors Crews and Meyer in Botswana to learn more about sustainability and climate change. I am looking forward to seeing tlou (elephants) and pitsi ya naga (zebra) in their natural habitats while in Maun and Ghanzi. Back in Austin, I enjoy catching shows at Cap City, checking out art galleries, and hiking. Thank you to my family, the Rapoport Endowment, COLA, and the Terry Foundation for providing the means for me to travel to Botswana. Salang sentle (goodbye)!

"Embraceable" Elizabeth

Elizabeth Conlon is about to start her third year as an environmental science major at UT. She spends her time doing research in caves and working on a farm. When she isn’t working or studying, she nice hammock naps and petting dogs. After graduation, she plans to continue her education in grad school or take a year off to do trailwork in Washington. She would like to thank her family and the Bernard & Audre Rapoport Endowment for their support.

"Majestic" Mariana

Dumela, leina lame ke Mariana Velazquez! I am a third year geography and environmental science major in the geology track. I wanted to be a part of this study abroad program because I wanted to learn more about conducting research and getting field work experience. Since I’ve been thinking about going into academia after I graduate, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to gain some insight into a field that interests me. I also want to thank my parents for supporting my dreams and making them possible, as well as Audre Rapoport and the International Office for the scholarships I received!