To the uninitiated, a fractal is a mathematical term that describes a shape formed when a pattern (typically describable with a set of numbers) is allowed to repeat indefinitely. Most commonly, fractals are seen in spirals like the Fibonacci spiral (derived from the Fibonacci sequence) which is seen in pinecones, Read more…
So far in Brazil I have learned a lot! I am constantly trying to step out of my comfort zone even when it may be scary and I am loving it. I am normally a very shy person and really need time to warm up to things in new places Read more…
While driving to campus yesterday, it felt as if my mind was going blank. It didn’t feel real that I was about to fly to a different continent and stay for three weeks. I expected this trip to be challenging, especially since I consider myself a “homebody” and I went Read more…
Obrigada! Thank you sometimes doesn’t seem like enough. Obrigada isn’t enough to reflect my gratitude for everyone who has helped make this life changing experience possible for these 23 students, but those are the words the English and Portuguese languages have given me—thank you and obrigada. The group above is Read more…
In general, I have always felt a little under-prepared no matter the circumstances. When we visited the Brazilian side of Iguazu falls, I was totally unprepared, and that was no one’s fault but my own. I was told that we were going to get soaked despite any attempt to stay Read more…
When I was very young (maybe five years old?), I rode in my first plane. I don’t think I looked away from the window for the entire flight. All these years later, nothing has changed. I still can’t get over how beautiful the clouds and the mountaintops can be when Read more…
“When you know your history, you have power” -paraphrase from a young student named Jose at University of São Paulo studying to be a historian When I came to visit Roberts as a Senior in High School, I remember seeing Dr. Kovach standing by a table with a smile on Read more…
Saying goodbye is never easy. These past three weeks flew by so fast, I find myself wondering how it’s already time to head back home. A large part of me is reluctant to leave Brazil, yet in the midst of my sadness, I feel a surge of happiness and gratitude Read more…
Today, as one final hurrah abroad, we hiked the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls. It definitely lived up to its legacy of being one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World. Besides the breathtaking views, the falls attract a multitude of people to add to the beauty. As my Read more…
The last few days of my journey have not gone as expected. But looking back, I can see how my choices have made all the difference. I woke up on Tuesday, planning to meet with my group and then present on our experiences in the Atlantic Forest. Instead, as soon Read more…