They say time flies when you’re having fun.
I wish I could prove them wrong.

I can clearly remember my first day here on the Tundra; the buzz of excitement among us as we arrived, not exactly sure what to expect. Yet the time between then and now seems to have slipped and slithered away. I don’t feel ready to leave. I’ve been blessed to embark on a unique adventure, but it still feels that it has only begun.

In writing my last blog, I can tell you my experiences here have left me a changed person. There’s no doubt about it – and you only have to read every one else’s to see the profound impact upon on us all. I was reading Maribeth’s blog, and realised that many of us thought that this would be a ‘field study’; where we would delve into accuracies, statistics and microscopic organisms. Well, we did, but we also did a whole lot more. My knowledge of polar bears and global warming has surely doubled, and I’ve come to understand that we’re over the stage of debate. I’ve discovered a new culture, new surroundings which have become my ‘home’. I’ve had the joy and pleasure of meeting amazing people along the way, and inspiring my own generation into making a difference. And I’ve learnt about myself a great deal, too. I am a worry-wart. I fuss around. I am a perfectionist. I’m also a highly emotional person; I can progress through a day feeling joy, anger, and sadness in one swift move.
But that comes with being human. And that’s the biggest awakening I’ve had. We all have ups and downs, positives and negatives, strengths and weaknesses. I’ve arrived at a state where I recognise my faults, but I’ve learnt to “play to my strengths” (Thanks, Lisa Gilbert). My self-confidence has leapt in bounds (even in addressing audiences), and that’s something I am ever so grateful for. I’ve also learnt that we aren’t here to ‘defy the sceptics’. No one can go screaming “Save The Polar Bears” and expect everyone else to listen. I am only a teenager from Down Under, and I won’t change the world in one swift, magnificent move.

But I am a teenager from a new generation, a generation blessed with so much talent, hope, technology and awareness. I can make small changes, small corrections in my somewhat ignorant lifestyle. I can educate those around me, those who I care for the most, and hope that my contribution can create change for a greater good. I’ve come to an understanding that the greatest challenge that lies ahead doesn’t require me to ‘put the weight of the world on my shoulders’; there’s only so much I can do. But I can help others realise where they could improve their lifestyles, and make them more sustainable.

I mentioned earlier that it felt like my journey here had only begun. But this IS only the beginning; the start of a great new chapter in our lives.

And I’m not alone, as I embark on a new adventure in life. I’ve had the pleasure of being around the most talented, humble and lively people from my generation. Whilst it is painful for us to part, I know we’re all connected through our passion for life; not just for our species, but also for others. We may be separated by some thousands of miles, but our connection will surpass even the direst of times.


Guys, I just want you to know that you’re all the greatest of friends to me; and I’m sure that one day, one fine day, we’ll all be together again, singing in the rain…

I have to say that today was probably one of the highlights of my trip thus far… I’ve been waiting a very long time for this, and I’m proud to say I’ve had a trip in a helicopter! (I won’t dawdle too much about my excitation ‘onboard’). After a short hop across the tundra, we had the chance to stop by a polar bear den (and were reminded of their plight when we found that it had already collapsed). Our surroundings were nothing short of overwhelming; I’ve never experienced such a thick blanket of moss under my feet, seeing the drastic splashes of colour or had the pleasure of tasting wild crowberries!

We had our next two (and final) video-conferences, and despite some confusion (in other words, receiving COMPLETELY different questions than was prescribed) everything went without a hitch! I think the public speaking sessions and presentations throughout the camp really paid off. By the end of our last conference, we were ‘masters of improvisation’!

We’ve still got some more things on our agenda (working on action plans, a few more presentations, DINNER!!), but things are beginning to wind down. I think we’re all reluctant to realise that tomorrow’s our last day together; I’ve made such great friends with such amazing, talented people.
Well, we still have one more day to enjoy together.
Another day, with all its surprises.

Yesterday’s presentation by Robert really hit some home truths. (I think it was probably the climax of that roller coaster I mentioned before.) Before coming to this camp believing that despite the somewhat perilous future we seem to face, there would be hope in saving Polar Bears from extinction.

The reality is, we have progressed to a state in the ‘climate change’ timeline where it is unlikely that we can stop the extinction of these majestic, beautiful creatures.
This was not an easy ‘truth’ to accept at all; I spent the majority of last night tossing and turning in bed, unable to stop thinking of just how wonderful it is to be here, seeing these beasts alive. I don’t know if I will ever get another chance to see Polar Bears in the wild.

I don’t mean to scare you all into thinking we’ll reach some sort of apocalyptic state – I am sure that there are more than enough of us (me included) that deeply care for the human race. If our societies realise that the depletion of our earth has extended itself to the point of directly threatening livelihoods then we will force ourselves to change our ways in order to secure ourselves a place on earth.

I hope we can start changing the tide of events so than we can not only save ourselves, but as many fellow inhibitors of our earth as we can. If we adopt a “So What..?” attitude, then do we really deserve our place on earth?

------------------------------------

Since the tone of this blog has been a little on the ‘heavy side’, I thought it would be good to end on a lighter ‘note’. To change the tune of things a little, we had our first video-conference of the camp (well, it was actually our second, the students from Winnipeg had already left)! We ended up answering questions from year 4 students – it was amazing to see so many young minds interested in conservation!

The past two days since my last entry have been exhausting! In hindsight, yesterday was something of an emotional roller coaster. There was awe at our first polar bear sighting (mother and two cubs), and ‘positive’ nerves rushing through dinner preparation (the ‘Puking Polar Bear Pub’ proved a gruesome hit – go Group A!) and our group presentation. At one point we seemed somewhat doubtful of achieving our task; I must thank Lisa Gilbert for getting us back on track and ‘hitting that home run’. It turns out our game show ‘Jeopardy’ worked out VERY well – a blend of humour (extra points for the most glorifying adorations!) whilst allowing for some discussion on the environmental impacts a warming arctic has for humans and animals. The (somewhat chilly) ‘northern lights’ show was spectacular. There was something utterly beautiful, yet sparse in the swirls of wispy green paint upon the black canvas. I came back awe-struck at the wonders of our beautiful, fragile earth.

Today seems to have been yet another ride. Some small pockets are empty, thanks to a lack of a good night’s sleep. After considerable searching, we managed to see the ‘famous trio’ on the way back from our day’s Buggy adventure.
I have to admit that for the rest of the day, I’ve felt like the roller coaster has progressed into an uphill climb, reaching its climax. I was really touched to witness Jim and Betty’s truthful accounts of life as Inuits living off the land. There was no melodramatic tale of animal trapping becoming an ‘unlikelihood’ as animals became more and more scarce (in fact Betty mentioned that during their time ‘in the Bush’, they could not see the effects of climate change). I was moved by their simplistic and truthful account of the life they were brought up into, where they took what they needed and just kept looking forward. When asked whether they felt their actions were ‘humane’, Betty answered “By taking this one life, you make it easier for the next two”.
After all, is it kinder to the animal to die a quick and painless death, or progress through famine, drought, and the wrath of mother nature?

My emotions seemed to have peaked after watching Group B’s mini ‘debate’ on the effects of human interaction within the local environment. We considered the arguments from pro-conservationists and economic-oriented ‘big-wigs’. I was, quite honestly, blown away! There was a depth and passionate delivery of opinions; yet we, the audience, felt the pro-economic team won the day. We had a wonderful group discussion afterwards, and yet again I felt the opinions expressed were very moving. We progressed to thinking about preparation for the apparent slaughter we might receive from the other side in debate. I came back feeling that much wiser, as well as impressed in the talents and personalities around me.

It’s been an antagonising five-month wait, and after a 25-hour journey from the other side of the world, I am overjoyed to be here in Canada! Amy, Stacey and I (the ‘Aussie Crew’) have already been here for three days, but my experiences here seem somewhat ‘surreal’ (I think the jetlag is still taking its toll). We had an easy first few days in Winnipeg, spent mostly adjusting to foreign surroundings, and experiencing the delights of North American culture (for Amy, a ‘real mall’). We also had the pleasure of welcoming and socialising with our fellow Ambassadors – and discovering the vast differences between our cultures. A brief ‘ice-breaker’ allowed the chance for more socialising, and to discover each other’s views on the ‘BIG’ environmental issues. I had the chance to meet Joe, an Alumni of PBI, who addressed our fears and dispelled ‘myths’ of what would lie ahead.
After a brisk 4:30AM start and 3-hour flight, we found ourselves immersed within the greater metropolis of Churchill (population 900)! Highlights included a real ‘North-American Cheeseburger with Fries’ at Gypsy’s (a standout in the local food scene), nearly losing a passport (which cost me the famous Churchillian Stamp, and a slightly disgruntled Stacey – not a good thing when she’s your Biology teacher), and a visit to the ‘main complex’ of Churchill, complete with school, indoor playground, library, gallery, cinema, etc… Coming from an urbanised and chaotic place, I came to appreciate the simplicity and togetherness that was evident in such an isolated town.
The rest of the day took a more philosophical turn, as visits to the ‘Polar Bear Jail’ and ‘The Lab’ (which I have no doubt you will hear about from others) allowed us to contemplate the many multifaceted environmental issues that are unique to this ecosystem. The variety of passionate views held amongst us during debate has been used by Robert B to get us ‘considering the two-sides to the issue’. From these discussions I’m sure we’ll learn a great deal about each other, not to mention ourselves.

Before logging-off, I DO have several ‘Thanks’ to mention (so soon!). First of all, to PBI who have been ever so generous in accommodating me here, you have given me the opportunity of a lifetime! To Canada Goose, for the wonderful cold-proof jacket that never leaves my backside! To Calm Air, for “everything that you do” – including retrieving my passport (and I thank Gypsy’s for holding it in the meantime; it surely is in safe hands), and to my greater “PBI Family” – I’m already having a wonderful time and we’ve only just started!