Graduate Student Studying in Kenya

Nicole Bodzewski Start Date: Jan 31, 2018 - End Date: May 30, 2018
  • Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya

My Travel Story

by: Nicole Bodzewski Start Date: Jan 31, 2018 - End Date: May 30, 2018
My life has been a series of unplanned events that have somehow led me to a once in a life time opportunity.  I never could have imagined being able to study abroad, let alone in a country that has my favorite animal – elephants.  I applied for a prestigous program through graduate school, and was accepted to travel to Kenya!  I will be visiting the African Conservation Center, Amboseli National Park, and the Olkiramatian Research Center.  I will be joining conservationists, educators, community leaders, and youth to study sustainable approaches to human wildlife coexistence. 
I will be immersing myself in the culture of the Maasai, a South Rift Valley community that has for centuries held high value to their environment and wildlife.  They recognize the importance of understanding their impacts, and the changes needed to conserve our future environment.  Being new to international travel, I hope to learn conservation strategies, to embrace cultural traditions, improve my communication skills, and discover the meaning of being a global citizen.
Through new partnerships I will acquire skills needed to successfully work towards my long-term career goal: to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts by increasing public awareness.  I'm currently developing an outreach program that educates communities on the types of conflicts in their area, and offers suggestions of lifestyle changes they can make to better coexist with all species.
This experience will change my life personally, professionally, and academically and I'm grateful for the opportunity and any donations that come my way!
  • Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya

Updates

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  • One And A Half Months Down!

    Hello! Thank you to all who have donated so far, it means a lot to me. Since I've started my fundraiser, I've raised 10% of my total costs. I've also been accepted for a scholarship which has lowered my total fundraising goal by $1,000! Check out my new "registry" section if you'd like to donate/lend an item instead.

Adventure Registry

  • Global Initiatives Scholarship

    $ 1,000
    Miami University
    • Granted

  • GoPro Camera

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  • Neck Pillow

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  • Headlamp

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  • Watch with Alarm

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