Some students spend their summers enjoying the warm weather, earning money and relaxing, all valuable pursuits. A select group of Averett students take on learning experiences that help them prepare for their futures. Nicholas Breen falls into this category.
Breen, a sophomore from Danville who is majoring in biology with a concentration in environmental studies, used his summer to become fully engaged in a naturalist conservation project that involved hands-on work, travel, data gathering, research and exploration, all under the umbrella of studying leatherback sea turtles in Trinidad. Talk about a full nine-day adventure.
Breen worked with Laura Meder, associate professor of biology at Averett, to take part in the program. While in Trinidad, Breen was able to become immersed in the conservation program and get a better glimpse into what was possible in the future.
“Working with researchers in the field, students get the chance to apply classroom knowledge to real-life experiences,” Meder said. “They can make deeper and more meaningful connections to what they are learning as well as feel there is value in what they have been studying. They also see first-hand how conservation can help communities to protect and benefit from the natural resources that support and sustain them. Conservation groups, like the Oceanic Society, benefit too. The fees students pay to participate provide funding to support research activities as well as help them to spread the word about their work as excited, involved students return home and relate their experiences to others.”
Traveling, especially internationally, is always an eye-opener. Breen began learning about his temporary home immediately upon arrival.
“I had never traveled outside of the country before,” Breen said. “I figured I had the opportunity and I should probably take it. I was completely nervous, because it was a new experience, but I’m really glad I did it.
“The first thing I noticed when we arrived was how humid it was,” Breen continued. “It was insanely humid. You would look on the weather app every day, it was usually 80 percent humidity. There was always a chance of rain. One time it rained for 10 seconds and then stopped. So much water in the air it had to go somewhere.”
The entire group consisted of about 15 volunteers. They had a daily itinerary of things to do and the group was kept busy. In the mornings, there was usually an event, then lunch, another event, eat dinner and the main event of the day would happen around 7:30 p.m. They would usually stay out until 11 p.m., but one day worked until 2 a.m.
This intense learning experience really opened Breen’s eyes, both from a world-view and from an academic perspective.
“This type of trip is absolutely something I’d like to do again,” Breen said. “I always thought that coming out of college, I would want to do something in conservation. After meeting with the naturalists there from the Oceanic Society, I got to hear about their academic process to get where they are and what they are doing. It gave me a better idea of things that I could do.
“I had never been out in nature, doing work. After this trip, I know this is something I enjoy. This is something I could actually see myself doing in the future.”
This was not the first such experience Meder has organized for her students. In the past, she has led groups to study coral reefs, dolphins and whales. This type of study not only helps the groups that work to help nature, but allows her students to truly understand what they are learning on campus.
“If this was something someone is interested in, I would definitely encourage them to get involved,” Breen said. “This was one of, if not the best experience I’ve ever had. I loved it so much.
“This was sort of a foot-in-the-door thing for me. I had never been anywhere on my own, or go to a far-away place to do a task and now I know I can do that. It may not be a trip, but now I know an internship could be very valuable.”
Breen enjoyed every aspect of the trip, especially the intense amount of work in such a short span of time. He knows that outstanding experiences like this don’t come about every day and you must take full advantage of every opportunity to learn.
” I just really loved the experience,” Breen concluded. “You have to go into it wanting to participate fully. There were a couple of days where I only got three hours of sleep. You really had to be committed to the process. I think I got the best experience out of it. I was only there for nine days and I may never get the opportunity to get back there. There were times I didn’t want to sleep and miss an experience.”
Meder understands the importance of opportunities such as this for the total educational process. She knows that Averett’s unique purpose and scope allows students to benefit from these types of adventures.
“At a time when people are questioning the benefits of a college education, opportunities for our students, such as these trips as well as study abroad experiences, help to show that value,” Meder said. “Averett’s mission to prepare students to lead and be catalysts for positive change is reflected in these opportunities.”
