Elizabeth "I can't think of a clever title" Arentz

Hello friends!

Greetings from College Park! My name is Elizabeth Arentz and I am a Neurobiology and Physiology Major here are UMD, on the pre-med track (for now). I enjoy having conversations with just about anyone, going to the gym, playing with my dogs, and looking at aesthetically pleasing things. I'm from Kent Island, MD (it's ok, no one ever knows where it is). Fun fact: my favorite animal alternates on a regular basis, but I've narrowed it down to elephants, owls, turtles, and dogs as the top four.

Words cannot explain the excitement I have for this trip and sharing our experiences on this blog. I'm really hoping this experience helps "bring me out of my shell" when it comes to discussing environmental issues and figuring out what I can do to help save the turtles, whether it be something small or large scale. I'm shell-shocked that I have this amazing oppertunity to help out over this spring break, and I can't wait to make the best of it! Sea you soon Topsail!

P.s. Click here, you won't regret it.

Go with the Flo

Hey everyone! My name is Brian Florenzo and I'm currently a freshman Neurophys and Spanish double major on a pre-med track. I'm from Columbia, Maryland, and went to elementary, middle, and high school in Howard County. I'm sure my friends will admit that I have an unhealthy obsession with giraffes and they're hands down my favorite animal. I really like outdoor activities like hiking and biking, really like traveling both domestically and abroad, and trivia ( I am full of tons of useless facts). I am super excited to be traveling to Topsail with my fellow ILSers and am looking forward to spending time with them, the warm weather, and listening to all these mixtapes I keep hearing about. I first heard about this trip last spring and can't believe I'm finally getting the opportunity to go. I can't wait to finally meet all the turtles in a few days!

This might be Donald's bio

 

Hey everyone! My name is Donald De Alwis, and I am currently a freshman Environmental Science and Technology major pursuing the pre-medical track at UMD.  I'm from Silver Spring, Maryland, meaning I'm almost as local as it gets.  So local, in fact, that I've gone to middle school, high school, and college on the same street.  Wild.  As a wildlife photographer its impossible for me to pick a favorite animal (they're all too good), but if I was forced to choose I would have to pick the wolverine.  But I guarantee you that answer will change if you ask me tomorrow (see above parenthesis).  I love to hike, camp, climb, and do anything that involves getting me out into the mountains.  I'm incredibly excited for the trip because it combines two of my favorite things: animals, and warm(er) weather.  I can't wait to see the turtles in all their cuteness and learn more about them at the rehabilitation center!

Monica Shope is rlly dope

Hello friends! My name is Monica Shope and I am a freshman Animal Science major.  I’m on the pre-veterinary track and interested in wildlife medicine in particular.  Lately I’ve been really into sheep because I’m taking Lamb Watch (pictured left), but my all time favorite animal is the elephant.  Not only are they super majestic, but they also have close family relationships and are led by strong matriarchs (And they sometimes use tools!! I know!! I'm proud of them too!). 

My hobbies include watching Game of Thrones and RuPaul's Drag Race, coloring in my adult coloring book, and filling numerous carts whilst online shopping but never actually buying anything.  I am afraid of seaweed and chickens; hopefully we won't see much of the latter in Topsail.

I am so excited to get to know everyone on this trip and see some sweet little turtles!

Say Yes to the Jess

Hi all! My name is Jessica Palmer and I am a sophomore general biology student at UMD, currently interested in pursuing medicine. I am from Ellicott City in Howard County, MD. Some of my hobbies include spending time outdoors (going to the beach, hiking, kayaking), spending time with my 2 dogs, family, and friends, and volunteering both locally and abroad. My favorite animals would have to be dogs, penguins, and of course turtles! I am so excited for our AB experience in Topsail, NC. I first saw this trip mentioned on the ILS website back when I was a junior in high school, and I have been looking forward to the opportunity ever since. I can't wait to spend time at the sea turtle rescue center to learn more about turtles and environmental conservation and what I can do to help these beautiful animals! I also love meeting new people so I am excited to become closer to all of the wonderful ILSers on this trip. Stay tuned because we are going to have some awesome blog posts pretty soon! 

Rhea-lly into Turtles

Hi everyone! My name is Rhea Dash, and I'm a sophomore biology major from Frederick, MD. My favorite animals are elephants and turtles (hence why this is the best AB trip ever). My favorite hobbies include dancing, reading, and occasionally napping. Other than that, I really like traveling and having experiences that open up my mind to new ways of thinking. 
Speaking of new experiences...I can't wait to meet all the turtles in NC! :) I'm really excited about learning how to protect them and about environmental conservation as a whole. I'm also looking forward to getting to know all the other people on the trip. T-13 days!

Nickachu

Hellooo, readers! I can hardly wait to go on this once in a lifetime trip, and I'm especially excited that the other participants and I will be updating this blog every day to share our experiences!

I'm Nicku Keshavarz, a sophomore biology major/sustainability studies minor who loves traveling, listening to music, eating, and meeting new people. Remembering back to a couple years ago when I was looking at colleges to attend, this specific Alternative Breaks trip really attracted me to UMD's Integrated Life Sciences program, and I've been dying to go on it ever since I decided to enroll at the university. Overpopulation and climate change are two of my main concerns and areas of interest, so getting this opportunity to work directly with suffering animals and make a difference makes me feel extremely lucky. I'm also looking forward to getting to know the other ILS students going on the trip, listening to different playlists during the drive, creating new memories and inside jokes, and learning more about our impact on marine life.

I strongly encourage everyone to go on at least one Alternative Break trip during their years at UMD, because it is an unbelievably rewarding experience, where you serve others and travel with people who are as passionate about service as you are. I can't wait to see what this trip has in store for us :)