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Beyond the Reach and Finding Growth in the Challenge

On April 11^th, I went on a team building retreat with my peers. The retreat served as a way for us all to get to know one another better outside of a classroom setting. We walked and were introduced to an outdoor climbing challenge course. I climbed once. As I climbed higher, it became tougher for my arms and legs to reach the next stone (climbing hold). I was about halfway through climbing, and I looked back; cheers flooded my ears. “You’re doing good, you got this!” I decided I wanted to get down. I don’t know if I was still trying to climb simultaneously as I was approaching the ground, but I hit the wall. I wasn’t hurt or injured, but I think when people are not physically able to accomplish something the first time it creates a mental block, tricking themselves into thinking they can’t do something. It is the worst mindset to have; however, naturally as a human being, I believe I fell into this trick. Of course, I believe I had additional underlying feelings like my worries about traveling abroad for the first time that manifested as we engaged within the challenge course. But, as weeks have passed, I realize I have nothing to worry about. I shouldn’t overthink anything. If I have a distracted mind, then it will take away from magical experiences, fantastic adventures, and memorable moments. This is something I don’t wish to do; from this opportunity, I want to learn, engage, and grow.

While I was able to learn a little about myself from this experience, I am only one piece of the puzzle. I additionally learned about the people I will be traveling with in the upcoming weeks. This is one of the most alarming components when traveling with a group, with diverse personalities, differing interests, and conflicting habits: how will we gel as a group? Again, nothing to worry about. Everyone participated at least once at trying a climbing challenge and everyone was extremely supportive throughout the retreat. I trust this reflects how we will work and travel together, which is as a team. I maintain that we will all uphold one another and continue to grow with one another.

The Road to Readiness

Fast forward to May 5^th, we all presented presentations on topics ranging from farms & NGOs, ADR, supply chains, and business organizations. All topics had to be in relation with our place of travel, which is Peru. I gathered and learned vital information that will help as I prep for the trip and while I am in Peru. A presentation that stuck with me the most was Environmental Stressors in Peru by Ava. Environmental stressors are physical, chemical, or biological factors in an environment that cause negative physical, emotional, or ecological stain. Her presentation examined air pollution increase, increased carbon emissions, and land and water pollution (arsenic and heavy metals). The following stressors can cause deforestation, health effects, and contribute to climate change. An example is Machu Picchu being affected by rain and the weather. What stood out to me most was that she presented first. After hearing every subsequent speaker, I realized they all related back to her topic or made me think more deeply about the environment in Peru.

This leads to Watson, his presentation was on The Waste Infrastructure Gap and Identifying Public Sanitation. The Waste Infrastructure Gap is split between Urban (around 90% public sewage) and Rural (< 15 % safe, networked sanitation) areas. Peru has about 21,600 tons of waste daily from organic, inorganic, unusable, or hazardous products. Also, he highlighted the Machu Picchu Paradox and how the tourism is impacted by this issue. This is the main reason why there is a limited number of people that can attend Machu Picchu per day. After pondering of his presentation, I mainly wonder of how waste is collected and recycled in Peru. Is it used for composting? I’ll revisit my curiosities on this topic soon.

Finally, I appreciated Green Marketing by Taiyo. He detailed the difference between greenwashing (a marketing tactic used to portray a company, product, or policy as more environmentally friendly or sustainable than it actually is) vs. green marketing (the promotion of products or services based on their environmental benefits, involving sustainable manufacturing, eco-friendly packaging, and modified advertising). He mentions around 58% of South America wants to shop sustainably. He also details that the future is authentic, credibility is non-negotiable, South America leads the way, and green marketing is the status quo. I enjoyed hearing his insights and also hearing about initiatives like Burt’s Bee’s Bee Conservation and Habitat Restoration. But it also makes me wonder is there a future in the U.S. where sustainability can be affordable and what measures would it take to make food, beverages, cosmetics, or personal care items affordable for the everyday consumer, while also being sustainable.

Cultural Hybridity and Conscious Travel

My presentation was on Globalization in Peru. First, I described an everyday scenario where globalization is happening whether we realize it or not. Then I defined globalization and discussed how Peru is split between a modern, fast-growing coast centered around Lima and a more isolated Andean and Amazonian interior. Further, I considered how trade and infrastructure influence globalization, the digital divide and the informal economy, and cultural hybridity vs. preservation. Regarding my topic, I believe that seeing companies, communities, and landscapes firsthand will shape how I engage with them. In a globalized world, I influence my surroundings just like they influence me. Therefore, how I interact with foreign environments and communities is deeply important to me. It is also what I encouraged anyone to consider during my presentation as we prepare for our trip. An example is thinking about how we participate as consumers. Personally, I want to support local artisans, chefs, and companies.

How I am Feeling?

In all, as this trip is quickly approaching I am excited! Initially, I was nervous for this trip and I may have a hint of anxiety here and there. But, I’m ready to travel with this amazing group of people.