Ref: www.studentsonice.com/antarctic2011/day1.html
Drew Gibbons, Student
Brisbane, Australia
G’day, my name is Drew Gibbons, an Australian exchange student living in Canada for a year.
Last semester during one of my biology classes I had expressed interest in the environment and the Antarctic - my teacher, Mrs. Nadeau, knew about this program and decided to approach me about the opportunity to apply for Students on Ice.
Basically, I am here to learn and be inspired to make a change. Our generation, and the ones to follow, is the generation who will have to deal with the consequences of climate change due to human impacts. This expedition is an opportunity to expand my knowledge on these consequences and see first hand an area that could, in the future be under the threat. I believe it is going to be interesting to learn about the Antarctic from a number of different perspectives. After this life changing expedition I plan on making a difference in my personal life and attempt to teach others what I have learned.
I’m looking forward to being able to work with people from all over the world, all different ages, and in different professions working together towards a common goal. Listening to other peoples’ views on the environment and how they believe climate change should be faced will broaden my perspective and personal views.
Seeing the Antarctic wildlife in their natural habitat will be an incredible experience. Being able to observe them and understand how these species are affected by human impacts will have an impact on me I think. I'm quite fond of photography so being able to photograph these animals will also be an amazing experience. – I’ll have memories to keep with me forever. I’m also looking forward to joining the Antarctic swimming team! More on that later. …After I have braved the icy depths.
Knowledge is key! We have a wonderful team of scientists and professionals who have a wide range of knowledge in their particular fields of study. Listening and learning from them is the biggest weapon we have to fight climate change. The more people who are aware of the problems we are facing today the better chance we have at creating a sustainable future.
Drew Gibbons, Student
Brisbane, Australia
Hello again!
Still hasn't quite hit me yet that we're leaving today! It seems so weird to comprehend…
- “Hey Drew, what are you doing today?...”
- “Oh not much, you know... going to the bottom of the world!!!”
- “Oh”
Yesterday we met up with some students from Vancouver and a few other places. It turns out everyone from Ottawa arrived at the same time by every mode of transport: car, train and plane… even a U-Haul cube van! We could have got a party bus and come together, ha ha! It was exciting to meet them and listen to why they are here, what they’re most excited about, etc. We sat down and had a meal together and chatted about the trip and what to expect. Talking about it just made me even more excited than what I already was.
After the meal I went to my room to get a little bit of alone time to think about the adventure I'm about to take off on and get some rest. Not much rest happened. I was up until 4:00am, much to my disgust, but my body was not ready to sleep! Apparently, the people from Vancouver also had trouble sleeping. They had good reason because of the time delay. However the TV accompanied me and I got to watch an Australian movie which was nice. Made me feel a little closer to home.
As apart of the expedition, we all got Canada Goose Sweaters that are very warm and very stylish. We all look pretty darn good when we wear them together. I’m going to sign off now and go socialize or something. There are plenty of new names to learn! Ha ha –
Over and out.
Expedition Update #1 - 8:30am EST
Good Morning! It is quiet here at headquarters which is a good sign. The Meet and Greet teams in Toronto, Miami and Buenos Aires are reviewing the flight schedules and preparing for the travel day. Our charter flights are on schedule and so far there have been no issues with students independent flights. Safe travels to all as you make your way to the gateway cities!
Below we have posted a few journal entries from students in Toronto. Their excitement is palpable!
More updates to follow later today.
In the expedition spirit,
The SOI team
Expedition Update #2 - 3:00pm EST
We have been busy at headquarters tracking flights and keeping in contact with the gateway city Meet and Greet teams.
The Toronto group has just boarded their flight and are taking off momentarily! They are on schedule to arrive in Miami this evening at 6:30pm. Their connecting flight from Miami to Buenos Aires is on schedule to depart at 8:30pm.
The Miami group is assembling - everyone is excited and in great spirits. Students are spending time getting to know each other and the staff. Their evening departure to Buenos Aires is on schedule to depart at 7:45pm.
The Buenos Aires staff are enjoying beautiful sunny skies and the sights around town. They will be greeting arrivals this evening and tomorrow morning.
Please enjoy a few journal updates received today which we have posted below!
In the expedition spirit,
The SOI team
Expedition Update #3 - 6:30pm EST
The Toronto group has landed in Miami and checking in to their connecting flight to Buenos Aires. Their flight is American Airlines 909, scheduled to depart at 8:30pm.
The Miami group is checked-in and waiting for their departure on LAN Airlines flight 4M4521 for Buenos Aires, scheduled to depart at 7:45pm.
We will post our final update this evening once both flights are en route...stay tuned!
Expedition Update #4 - 8:00pm EST
The Miami group is in the air! They will enjoy a restful overnight flight and arrive in sunny Buenos Aires tomorrow morning. The Toronto group will soon join them in the air. Both groups will reunite in the morning and spend the day touring Buenos Aires before their group flight to Ushuaia.
We are signing off for the evening and leave you with a letter from Expedition Leader Geoff Green -
December 27, 2011
Hello everyone from 35,000 feet somewhere above North America en route to Miami, Buenos Aires, Ushuaia and ultimately Antarctica!
Our Students on Ice Antarctic Expedition 2011 has officially begun! Over the next 24 hours, 89 students and staff from 15 countries will converge in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world and our staging ground, before making the final push to the bottom of the world. From Nunavik to New Zealand, India to Indiana we have an extraordinary group of excited students at the beginning of an experience that will very likely help to shape their future.
The past few months have been a whirlwind. Putting on an expedition like this requires a tremendous amount of collaboration, partnership, logistics, great people, good karma, funding and much more. I want to thank everyone who has contributed to making this extraordinary journey possible. We are so grateful for your belief in the Students on Ice mission and your generous and critical support.
This is the 12th annual SOI Antarctic Expedition. Since 2000, we have taken over 1,800 students from 50 countries to both Polar Regions. The impacts and outcomes from these expeditions have been truly inspiring, life-changing and long-lasting. I am confident that this expedition will be another great success, and this group of students will return in a few weeks educated, inspired and motivated with new perspectives, ideas, tools and ambition for their future and the future of this Planet we all share.
In fact, the reason for Students on Ice may have never been more relevant and important than now. Our communities and our planet need more young leaders that understand and deeply care about the health of our global natural ecosystems. Young leaders that are connected to the natural world and understand the roles, responsibilities and opportunities that lay ahead of them.
Antarctica is an amazing place and going there is like going to another planet. It is a symbol of peace, understanding and conservation. Three things we could definitely use more of.
The next two weeks will be packed with discovery, adventure, challenge and so much more. We look forward to sharing it all with you each day via this website. So enjoy the journey and may you too be inspired and challenged along the way.
In the expedition spirit,
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