Help Cassidy Study in the Galapagos

Cassidy Owens-Kashorek Start Date: Oct 20, 2022 - End Date: Apr 19, 2023
  • Quito, Ecuador
  • Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

My Travel Story

by: Cassidy Owens-Kashorek Start Date: Oct 20, 2022 - End Date: Apr 19, 2023
  I am creating this account in hopes of taking part in my university’s program to study evolution and ecology in the Galapagos Islands I am a senior biology student and this curriculum would fulfill the final elective requirement for my Bachelor of science degree. The program of study is a three-credit course. One credit will be taught during the spring semester, and then, the other two credits will be earned over the summer in the Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos Islands are the birthplace of evolution and I can’t think of a better place to explore the depth of one of my favorite topics. The islands are home to many species of tortoises and iguanas that I otherwise would not get the opportunity to study in their natural habitat. This ecosystem is one of the finest preserved ecosystems in the world. The class will study how the country is capable of managing conservation efforts while sustaining a community that thrives on farming, fishing, and tourism I strongly believe that conservation is important in all parts of the world and I would love to obtain knowledge on how we can live and sustain the planet along with all its beauty. The Galapagos Islands host one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in the world. Studying in this region would give me unmeasurable knowledge because I would be able to study marine life that I would never have access to otherwise. This experience would give me the ability to see how other countries are addressing the global warming tragedy that we are facing, and see firsthand how they are protecting their coastal lines.
   As a biologist, it is essential to care about the environment and animals. I would like to take it a step further. I am also hoping to gain a deeper understanding of the citizens of the country. When studying animals and ecosystems, the indigenous people of the areas are often overlooked. As their ecosystem is one of the most researched in the world and gives the islands their fame, it can overshadow the people of the nation. This course will look at how conservation efforts affect the people residing in the Galapagos. I hope that this will inspire me to help find ways that we can conserve the beautiful land where I live and also support the community where I grew up in.
  Currently, I have aspirations to attend veterinary school, ecology and evolution are fundamental to the core concepts of correct animal care. Learning in an area that can’t be replicated anywhere else is the first step in my understanding of not only keeping animals healthy but also maintaining a healthy world. I started college with the idea of going to veterinary school, but I lost enthusiasm for the field during the pandemic. I went through a rough time academically because I became unmotivated, feeling like I did not have an end goal. More recently, I started a part-time job at a local veterinary office and I am working as an intern at the local zoo. This has reignited my love for the profession. Evolution is one of the most important underlying concepts that I could master to succeed in an animal science career. As a veterinary medical school student, I need to learn about many different species. Knowing evolutionary patterns is helpful to distinguish the various functions of these animals.
Thank you for taking the time to read about my aspirations, any help would be so appriciated.
  • Quito, Ecuador
  • Galápagos Islands, Ecuador