.
: ‘An experience that will always be a part of you.’
By Jan Boal
Author Jan Boal believes in tuning oneself into the signs from the universe. Her book “” explores her journey to finally heed these signs and take a leap of faith in herself, deciding to travel the world solo. During a year of self-discovery, she volunteered on three expeditions and was profoundly changed.
.
In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.
— John Muir
I recently had the absolute pleasure of meeting the staff of at their Boston Headquarters. Not only was I warmed by their sincerity, but I was grateful for their vision and dedication in pursuit of caring for our planet.
In 2011, I volunteered on three expeditions, , , and . I was 52 at the time, single and following my calling. I knew it would be like when I went off to college: Anticipation of what was to come, knowing I would be different when I returned, and anxious for all those same reasons along with traveling alone to these far away countries. This was one of the best decisions I have ever made for myself.
Like college and getting an education, it is the same when venturing off with —an education, an experience that will always be a part of you, a broadening of yourself, like a breath of fresh air, a new you. Be prepared that volunteering on an expedition is quite holistic and all-encompassing. You will learn about the animal/environment you signed up for as well as the culture of this environment and its impact and struggles dealing with whatever threatened issue is involved.
You will experience being around a type of passion we seldom experience, usually only witnessing it in the movies. I am talking about the directors of the sites—these scientists who eat, sleep, and breathe in pursuit of their cause—who do it with such dedication and enthusiasm that once you experience this it will unlock something within yourself.
Admiration and unlimited gratitude is what I felt when I went to sleep each night after returning from my expeditions. I knew these scientists were continuing their calling, their mission in gathering data and saving a part of our world—day, after day, after day, after day.
The hands-on experience, learning something new and foreign, being challenged by this—by the travel, unfamiliar ways, and culture—working on a volunteer team consisting of such a variety of people unknown to you, realization of situation, the direness and frustration of this environmental issue, and the pride and joy you will experience is profound and life changing.
I encourage you to trust in this process and have an experience, a journey of a lifetime. You won’t regret it! Be a piece of the puzzle that helps to solve the problem and save our home we call Earth.
Sign up for the Newsletter
Be the first to know about new expeditions, stories from the field, and exciting news.