I am extremely grateful for my experiences through Michigan State University’s Panama: American Colonialism and the Creation of Biodiversity program. These memories and skills are deeply valuable to me. I feel further vindicated in attending MSU because of the role education abroad has played in my collegiate journey. Before university, I had no intentions of pursuing education abroad; I believed it would not be attainable. However, through the support of Michigan State University and donors' generosity, I have had the opportunity to pursue three education abroad opportunities. Each program has been a unique experience and supportive to different personal and professional facets of myself.

I was initially hesitant to pursue this program despite my interest and previous positive experiences abroad. I am grateful I was supported in pursuing this opportunity because the program was amazingly designed for a variety of students and comprised of fellow Spartans that I am lucky to have worked with. I had another great experience and made friends I am very grateful for. My professors were both very supportive and receptive. Their different professional perspectives were interesting to get to learn about and see applied to this program.

Rainforest biology has always been deeply interesting to me and getting the opportunity to immerse myself in many aspects of the field fulfilled a little girl’s dream. Professionally, I had the opportunity to test-run potential career paths. The hands-on, self-designed research element of the coursework was very unique compared to my traditional educational experiences. Although I am unsure to what extent, if any, research is a part of my present career goals, I would not have been as confident in my direction without this experience. Additionally, I appreciated the opportunity to look at the impact of colonialism in research. This program encouraged me to continue to be conscious of my perspective and position and strive for equitable science.

As a Spanish minor, Spanish has always been the most challenging portion of my coursework, but the individuals who have supported me along the way make me even more passionate about learning. That support carried through to this education abroad experience. So many Panamanians were grateful for my attempts at Spanish conversation, and some were even excited to practice their English with me. It was a beautiful opportunity to learn from each other. Having the opportunity to practice and experience Spanish daily, especially a different dialect, was very enriching. My favorite experiences while abroad involved connecting with individuals through language. Our program’s cloud forest guide in Cerro Punta was very animated and deliberate with his Spanish to be accommodating to those of us learning. I was very receptive to his patience, and his kindness enforced my motivation to learn Spanish.

From interpersonal connections to my final manuscript, every element of this education abroad experience has had a positive influence on myself as a student, friend, and global citizen. I am forever grateful for my experiences in Panama and the generosity that made it possible.

Name: Marieke Anderson
Status: Junior
Major: Zoology
Hometown: Lansing, Michigan
Program: American Colonialism and the Creation of Biodiversity in Panama