By Shawn Hutchinson
 |
| image via TechTimes |
The Washington State
University Honors College had planned their trip to Ecuador in May
2016 well in advance. Then, on April 16, an earthquake in the country
nearly shook up those plans. However, the trip will go on as planned
said Cassie Phillips, a freshman who has had a big role in the
organization process.
“It put a huge
scare in the plans,” said Phillips. “We were all very worried
about if we would be able to go. Now that we know we can, we’re
very much aware of how much we could possibly help, if we can, while
we’re in the country.”
The Honors College
is taking 20 people, nineteen students and faculty member Jessica
Cassleman on the trip. During the trip, the participants will live in
with Ecuadorian families for approximately two weeks, and travel to
the Galapagos before returning to the United States. For sophomore
Sydney Roberts, the Galapagos portion will be the highlight of her
trip.
“I’m a science
major, so I’m so thrilled to go to the Galapagos,” said Roberts.
“Being in the same place where Darwin came up with the theory of
evolution is mind-blowing.”
Another big aspect
of the trip for all of the students is being immersed in another
culture for two and a half weeks. Roberts said one of the
requirements is to keep a journal describing what they observe in
Ecuador and how it compares to the culture of the United States. For
sophomore Payton Arnold, this is something she wants to focus on
during the trip.
“I have grown up
around a lot of diversity, but being in a whole new country will
enhance my awareness,” said Arnold.
Some people may
question why the Honors College is continuing with the trip. Both
Roberts and Arnold acknowledged the people of Ecuador may be critical
of having foreigners around in a time of crisis for the country.
“They’re
obviously going to be distraught,” said Arnold. “It’s a huge
thing in their country, and it has killed hundreds of people. It’s
affected a lot of them. I think just the whole atmosphere might not
be as happy or positive as it has been.”
Even without the
potential obstacle of seismic activity, planning a Study Abroad trip
anywhere is a hefty challenge. Phillips said there are classes
required for students going abroad, and making sure the participants
can get information out of the planning meetings so they can be
well-prepared for the trip. Should another earthquake occur, Phillips
said she’ll be relatively ready to be safe during the event.
“I come from a
fairly seismic active area, so I’ve had some minor earthquakes,”
said Phillips, a physics major. “I feel like my reaction, if an
earthquake happens, would be fairly methodical and appropriate. If
there is a tremor, I feel like I’m well prepared for it. I hope it
doesn’t happen, but I feel like things will be okay, especially
with my background in understanding how they work. There shouldn’t
be buildup of pressure.”
For many of the
students, learning the culture of Ecuador is a shared interest in
going on this trip, even if it comes at a bad time for the country.
“I think being
there will be a great experience, regardless of what has happened,”
said Arnold. “It’ll enhance my cultural awareness when it comes
to natural disasters.”
