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Global simultaneity. A phrase I have thought about often during my three Earth Expeditions with Project Dragonfly. It is the concept that in this very moment, while I may be laying on the couch in my home, there is a bull elephant trekking across the road in Amboseli or a monk meditating in the monastery he goes to every day. It is a complex arrangement of events, indefinitely embedded in the odd concept of time, happening concurrently around the world. Each juncture naturally carries on without you, but in those rare, special occasions it can feel like certain ones were waiting just for you to experience them. 

I have had many moments like that throughout my journey of obtaining this master’s degree. I’ve also had moments where I felt like an imposter for being granted the privilege to fly across the world and live with a different culture. Moments where I felt like an egocentric U.S citizen for only being able to speak English. 

I do not know why I was given these opportunities when others struggle to afford food on their table, or on the other hand, how some people have enough money to buy six homes. Global simultaneity. As I stress to pick which Earth Expedition I want to go on the following year, someone else lives on the other side of the world never considering or having the opportunity to leave the town they were raised in. 

Somehow, regardless of conflicting thoughts, the perspective-changing events I experienced felt intentional. Feeling as though I was mixing all those experiences into my cauldron of thought for when I would eventually need them in the future. 

The concentration of this degree is to learn about conservation around the world. Between traveling to Belize, Thailand, and Kenya and experiencing the rich biodiversity offered in each location, I came to understand the meaning of culture. In simple words, it is how people learned through history to interact with the world and the people around them. Culture, sometimes, acts as the barrier between people and knowledge. People are not always open to ‘different’. It can be intimidating coming from the outside and attempting to understand a whole new way of life. Specifically, the way in which each location preserves and brings attention to their local environment is not only inspiring but also deserves to be recognized. 

In Belize, I got to experience the zoo through locally hand drawn signs introducing each animal by their name. I got to learn about the protection of the Belize barrier reef in all its beauty. 

In Thailand, I learned how to properly meditate and appreciate nature through the teachings of the Buddhist Monks. I got to patiently wait in a camouflaged tent waiting for a hornbill to feed its babies. 

In Kenya, I truly got to experience the circle of life through the coexistence of animals and humans on the savanna. I learned about great organizations that prioritize traditional ecological knowledge of the Maasai. 

Each journey allowed me to come home with more perspective and hunger to learn more. A common theme I saw several times through my Earth Expeditions is this idea of pain being the entrance to beauty and wisdom. Pushing myself out of my comfort zone and taking that leap of faith allowed me to see how happiness can emerge from fear and risk. It is through pain that we truly appreciate the ‘good’. 

Along with stepping outside of my comfort zone is the anxiety of meeting a group of new people with each Earth Expedition. It is walking in with the hope of forming human connection with people who have similar interests. It is easy to travel to these locations and solely think about the itinerary, however, the people are what make it. People are capable of encouraging, comforting, and challenging each other through the vulnerability of these courses. These groups gather from across the globe, all having different lives and occupations, yet we are always brought together for the love of planet Earth. Global simultaneity. 

Being granted with the privilege I previously expressed, I feel this ever evolving pressure to find my purpose; to change the world. I want to save the manatees but I also want to stop the Amazon rainforest from vanishing. Global simultaneity. Regardless of the magnitude I aim to accomplish, I see the overall vision. Just as a dragonfly zips from place to place, I am gathering knowledge from all around to apply to my global understanding. Thank you, Project Dragonfly.