Pacific University students learn how to use their passions to create meaningful social change in all they do. At Pacific, we know that change happens when we work together. That’s why our small, liberal arts environment flourishes: students are known by name by excited and expert professors, and our inter-disciplinary connections create unique, effective solutions to all sorts of social problems.
At
Pacific University, we are proud to say students can explore the many different
options nature has to offer. Students
can learn about sustainability and the environment while taking on leadership
roles. Take such courses through rock climbing, sea kayaking, rafting and use
the skills learned and apply them to everyday activities or future careers.
Our
students who minor
in Outdoor Pursuits have been able to transition their experiences to
fields such as education, psychology, environmental science, business and more. Tailor Dolguin (Class of 2018), recent Pacific graduate, talks about her experience as an Outdoor Leadership minor and her time here.
At Pacific
University, we offer short-term study abroad opportunities that range from
theater programs in England, education programs in New Zealand to environmental
sciences in the Galapagos Island. Senior,
Wyatt Eng, spent this past winter on the islands and shared his
experience.
Name: Wyatt
Eng
Major:
Bioinformatics
Year: 2019
Hometown:
Los Altos, California
What brought
you to Pacific?
The
family atmosphere and personal care that the faculty members provide for us
initially attracted me to Pacific University. During the admissions process, Pacific
University was the only school that valued me as a person. I felt like an
individual, not just a number.
The
biology courses that my major requires gave me the proper background to take
advantage of the opportunity to study abroad. I also love exploring the
outdoors and thought this trip fit me perfectly.
Do you have
to major in biology to be able to go on this trip?
No,
we had both major and non-major students on the trip. I took this course to
fulfill an upper division major requirement for biology, but you do not have to
be a natural science major to go.
How many
credits is it worth?
The
class is worth a total of four credits. The first two credits is a prep
course on campus and the last two credits is the trip itself, which took place
during the winter term.
Was there a
lot of preparation for the trip?
Besides
the prerequisite courses, we spent the first two days of our trip in Ecuador to
acclimate to the culture, climate and elevation. All of the meals were
provided for so we didn't have to worry about packing extra food. The food was
amazing especially all the fresh fish we got to eat.
What was a
normal day like on this trip?
We
spent most of our time exploring the different habitats and nature on the
islands. We island hopped every few days so there was always something new to
see.
Did you have
a lot of assignments?
We
had a few, but they were all relevant and really interesting. There was about
15 of us on the trip, including two professors. We would read primary
literature articles assigned to us every day and gather in the evenings to
discuss the material as well as a brief recap of the day. We also had to
maintain a journal and sketches of the different animals and plant organisms
that we encountered.
What was the
most awe inspiring moment?
The
whole trip was amazing. The only thing I would change, if I could, would be the
duration of the stay. I wish it could have been a longer program. However, all
of the abundant plant and animal life on the islands was extremely intriguing.
Since Ecuador is located on the equator, the mere thought of exploring the
center of the planet was absolutely fantastic. While on the Galápagos Islands,
I got to see first-hand how evolution affected different organisms. We also got
to see historical landmarks, including the first cove that Charles Darwin
himself stepped foot on when he first discovered the Galapagos Islands.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone considering the
experience.
What were
some of your favorite moments?
While we were moving to a new island, our boat got
surrounded by a pod of dolphins, which then led us to a pod of whales. This
particular moment was simply breathtaking and surreal. Some other moments I
loved include getting to spend time at a tortoise preservation center, exploring
the Cloud Forest, and connecting
with all of the people I went on the trip with. In the end, I got to experience
what I learned in the classroom and apply it to real life, showing how this
incredible trip could be useful throughout my life
Would you
study abroad again?
Hands
down, I would! Word of advice: The additional cost was
worth every penny. If you have the resources, go for it! Live your dreams!
