Help Deborah Study Abroad in Mexico's Yucatan

Hello, dear friends, chosen family, and fellow nature enthusiasts,

My name is Deborah, and I've been chosen for a golden opportunity to participate in a 2-week study abroad program in Mexico focusing on ecology, culture, & environmental sustainability in the Yucatán Peninsula. I invite you to be part of this life-changing journey that aligns with my lifelong commitment to nature and its preservation. This isn’t just an immersive trip for field course credit; it's also a pilgrimage of sorts back to the tropical rainforest roots that have shaped me and my passion for the environment.

The Yucatán Calling

Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is a rich mosaic of ecological wonders, vibrant culture, and rich Mayan heritage. The University of Illinois has been doing ornithological and ecological research there for over a decade. As part of the exciting two-week program, I will learn more about and engage myself in its diverse ecosystems, ancient Mayan traditions, and contemporary sustainability practices. This journey resonates deeply with my passion for preserving our planet and understanding the delicate balance between culture and ecology; it’s also a chance to immerse myself in tropical ecosystems that will always evoke a sense of “home.” Read on to learn more about my personal journey, or feel free to skip the next 3 paragraphs to get to the fundraiser information.

Check here for details about the trip itinerary

(Image 1: Some brief highlights from the Yucatan course itinerary)

Tropical Beginnings

My connection with nature began when I was four years old. Growing up in the lush mountains of the tropical island of Papua New Guinea infused my early years with unique nature encounters. Each day was an adventure, from hiking muddy trails to remote waterfalls, visiting Bird of Paradise sanctuaries, crafting imaginary worlds with friends using natural materials, and beyond. Vacation on the island meant visiting the coast, snorkeling over coral, and marveling at mangroves but never understanding the magnitude of what we were witnessing and climbing on.

(Photo 1: My sister and I, growing up in the Highlands of PNG)

(Photo 2: Vacationing to the coast, and learning firsthand about the ocean)

These everyday experiences created a profound connection with and curiosity about nature and creativity, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of environmental stewardship through an ecocentric worldview that sees humanity as a vital part of Earth’s intricate web of life.

An Unrealized Path

My grandmother was the first to teach me how to care for nature, particularly plants and birds. How to notice and appreciate the little details, and how it can flourish with a bit of kindness and patience. From middle school, she cultivated my green thumb and nurtured my bond with nature, even as I continued to live abroad as a teenager. She died in August of 2019 after several days in hospice. Her legacy inspired me to honor the flora and fauna around me, and nature became my refuge, providing a balm for my soul during those challenging days as we awaited her passing. Her death reinforced our shared love for the outdoors and the importance of connecting with nature. From the verdant mountains of my childhood hikes to the transformative experiences in my grandmother’s garden, nature has always been my haven.

(Photo 3: Grandma and I, circa 2016)

During the 2020 pandemic lockdowns, I immersed myself in gardening and yardwork, embracing permaculture methods and finding peace in the intricacies of the backyard ecosystem. This transformative period offered much time for meditation and mulling over life’s priorities, leading me to realize my true calling lies in environmental stewardship rather than conventional healthcare, which I’d already studied for a few years. That fall, I switched my major to Natural Resources and Environmental Science and felt more at home than ever. I hold a 3.9 GPA as a senior and am passionate about making a difference in environmental sustainability. Every day, I’m amazed at the path that led me to where I am today. It’s an incredible feeling to know what you’re meant to do.

Today, I get the opportunity to immerse myself in tropical ecosystems once again, but this time, I now understand and sincerely appreciate the multiple levels of amazing ecology taking place as we visit multiple living classrooms; I will relish every moment and take nothing for granted.

(Photo 4: Mangrove ecosystems we will study and kayak through on the trip)

Financial Details

The total estimated cost for this two-week experience is $5,530.00. This covers program fees, administrative costs, immigration fees, and essential expenses like immunizations and passports. I have received some financial aid from my university. Still, it’s not enough to cover all the other expenses associated with this trip, like special supplies and gear I’ll need to take for field work, including my own gluten-free snacks and an air purifier. Because I’m a full-time college student with multiple disabilities, I don’t have a job to bring in extra money for these expenses.

Your support will help me bridge the gap between dreams and reality. The funds raised help will cover all expenses, allowing me to embark on this transformative journey without financial constraints.

How You Can Help

Paying It Forward

If, by the grace of collective generosity, we surpass the fundraising goal, any additional funds will be given to support fellow students facing financial constraints, echoing the spirit of community and shared responsibility.

In Gratitude

Studying abroad in Yucatan will allow me to take a massive step outside my comfort zone, experience a lifestyle outside my normal community, and expand my knowledge of sustainable environmental practices. This program will allow me to interact with people from diverse backgrounds, develop a renewed global mindset, and further increase my interest in cultural differences.

I am excited to gain perspectives, information, and specific knowledge that I can use along my journey in my future career. I am grateful for the experiences and people who have shaped me. Your support is more than a donation; it's a vote of confidence, a gesture of belief in the transformative power of education and exploration, and a reverence for our Earth and its intricate web of life.

Thank you for your support and belief in this important journey.

With heartfelt thanks,

Deborah