We have been conducting reef assessments in the Gambier group of islands which are a collection of extinct high volcanic islands more than 1,600 km southeast of Tahiti. For twelve days of this mission, the scientists characterized the complex reef systems of Mangareva, an archipelago located in the southern hemisphere where the climate is tropical, but tempered by southeast trade winds.
From Mangrove Mud to Meaningful Work: Desta’s J.A.M.I.N. Journey
Some students I remember for their grades, their quick answers, or a moment that made the whole class laugh. Others I remember for the way they stepped into the mangroves.
Desta was the kind of student who thrived outdoors. While some students hesitated at the edge of the mud, he walked right in. And when he inevitably got stuck — because everyone does — he didn’t get frustrated. He laughed. Covered in mud, holding mangrove propagules in his hands, he embraced the experience fully.
Even then, it was clear that he was connecting with the environment in a way that went beyond the lesson plan…
