Sarah Astling, Ms

Maintained GPA of 3.5

Jan-term "cultural anthropology" trip to Belize, Central America for 20 days. We stayed in Belize City, San Ignacio, and a rural Amish community called Birdwalk. We dove deep into local cultures, living and experiencing it for ourselves. We toured Mayan ruins and sacred sites, learned how they made chocolate and the impacts modern society has on their culture. We learned how important local markets are to town economies, and simpler living styles. We compared and contrasted the Amish community to those in Indiana, and spent the night in the community. We then compared the stark differences between touristy cities like Belize city and Caye Caulker to rural cities.

Jan-term "Science and Culture" trip to Australia for 14 days. We Visited the Great Barrier Reef and snorkled, toured the rainforests, animal sanctuary, and town of Cairns. My group got to take a picture holding a Koala Bear, hold oversized insects, learn about the native bird species, and even saw a wild Cassowary. We then visited Sydney and learned about the foundation of modern Australia, Indigenous cultures, and how the city itself have grown, but kept its historical roots.

Member of club. Assisted board members with promoting the club on campus, participating in various activities such as info nights, practicing seminar presentations, inquiring about senior research, and game nights.