Hello!
My name is Jordan, and I am a Wildlife Biology major at Texas State University. This summer, I have the amazing opportunity to travel to South Africa and learn how to not only perform field research and study animals but also gain invaluable experience that will further my education. South Africa is an area of huge biodiversity and a main stage for many conservation efforts, especially for bushveld ecosystems, and is ranked 6th among 17 megadiverse countries. Countries in that list are nations that hold a majority of Earth's species including endemic species which are creatures that can not be found anywhere else in the world! On this trip, I will learn wildlife and plant identification, tracking and behavior, and natural history, I will also learn many field guides skills such as field safety and survival in an area I've never been to before and how to maintain and operate the 4WD manual vehicle!
I have been interested in our natural world and its amazing creatures since before I can even remember. Hiking, reading, watching people like Steve Irwin and the Kratt Brothers, and watching almost every nature documentary that has been made, I have always had a staunch curiosity and love for the creatures we share our world with. Like many of those before me and many of my colleagues, I want to ensure incredible environments and creatures like the ones of South Africa will continue to grow and thrive. With this experience, I will dive head-first into what my future truly holds for me and begin my journey into worlds I have since only read and heard about.
Majority of the money donated will be going to the plane ticket to simply get me across the great pond and back home, anything further than that will go towards purchasing gear. We will be out in the bush for most of the day and into the night so specialized gear and clothing is extremely important to blend in and not disturb the wildlife. Thank you so much for your support, it will make a small town girl's dream come true.
