- University of Redlands – Palau Expedition ‘24 Recap Pt. 2
By: Marissa Dilmeang Spires
Following the end of the Palau Expedition 2024, the thirteen undergraduates from the University of Redlands returned to their homes in the United States, cherishing the two weeks’ worth of memories they had collected. To cap off the study abroad course, each student submitted a reflection and final project to Professor Stelle, requiring the application of their newfound knowledge and independent research about Palau’s environment, culture, and society. Traveling opens up a gateway of opportunities and perspectives for young adults looking for more immersive educational and cultural experiences.
Island Times highlights the testimonies of two students from this year’s Expedition:
Brandon Turk is a rising Senior at the University of Redlands, majoring in Human-Animal studies and minoring in Environmental Studies. He states that “visiting Palau for two weeks has been a transformative experience. The most profound lesson I learned during my stay is that the residents of Palau live in a way that is deeply kind and present. I noticed locals smiling at everyone who walked by everywhere I went. This simple act of kindness created a welcoming and warm atmosphere that felt truly special. The sense of community and siblinghood among the locals was equally life-changing. I witnessed people going out of their way to help each other, demonstrating a level of care and consideration that is rare in many parts of the world. These in-person moments of connection and kindness are what sets Palau apart. The genuine presence and compassion have left a lasting impression on me. It’s a way of life that I hope to carry with me and share with others, reminding us all of the importance of kindness and being truly present with those around us.”
Demiah Barbosa is a rising Junior at the University, double majoring in Business and Psychology with a minor in Public Policy. She shares: “The most significant thing I took from my experience in Palau was how welcoming and unified the people were. It’s really inspiring and makes me value Palau’s history so much more.” Demiah is a close college companion of Marissa Spires, sharing two years of friendship. In their time together, Marissa has had the chance to bond with Demiah’s family in California. In turn, she was delighted to finally introduce Demiah to her family in Palau. The two friends cherish and will forget the day that they both received their acceptance emails to the Palau Expedition course, jeering in unison, full of pure excitement. Sharing memories and accomplishing new feats together in Palau has only brought them closer as friends and chosen sisters, providing them with a shared travel story of a lifetime.
Island Times additionally had the chance to connect with the rising Junior Madison Eaton, who partook in The Palau Expedition 2023. Madison thoughtfully recounted: “During my time surrounded by the beauty that is Palau, so many dreams came true; Meeting the current and former Presidents of Palau, which was truly an honor, completing beach clean ups to improve the livelihood of community and ecosystems alike, and diving in the Pristine Paradise of Micronesia.” Madison completed a list of experiences she hoped to have, but admitted: “none of these can compare to the soul-touching feeling of a Giant Manta Ray accepting your presence in their home. While diving the German Channel, my class, professors, dive masters, and I descended down to 75 feet with the hopes of seeing Manta rays. While sitting on the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, our dive master pointed around to show us a manta ray swimming by. Tears immediately flooded my mask as the first ray glided over my head. It was so close I could see the remora trailing close behind its gills. Not five seconds later, there was a second. Nothing could describe the fulfilled feeling of knowing another creature wasn’t frightened by my presence. In a world where most animals are frightened at the sight of humans, being accepted by a gentle giant in their home could not be filled with more meaning. To me, this signifies that the damage and separation of societies’ anthropogenic mindsets haven’t completely hit the threshold of no return. While making it my life purpose to heal the relationships between humans and animals by studying to become a marine biologist, I hope to unify the connection of living, breathing, and loving creatures.”
The 24-year legacy of the University of Redlands’s Palau Expedition will continue under the leadership of Professor Stelle, annually or biennially, depending on circumstances. The staff and students alike have created a profoundly successful program that uncovers new connections and discoveries every visit. Being able to study different environments around the globe can help heighten students’ understanding of climate issues. The world may be vast, but with unique and impactful partnerships like the one between Redlands and Palau, the two communities intertwined go to show how small it can be.