Of all the things that I have learned in college, two main themes have emerged that motivate my thoughts and actions. First, we are faced with some major environmental and social challenges in the world today, and they are not going to go away on their own. We must confront them ourselves and we must do so in the present, not the future. Second, we are all in this together, as a community bound to this planet. We must work together with each other, and with the other species sharing the earth. With these in mind, I am inspired to make a positive difference in the world.
The Baa Atoll Mosquito Project 2013 in the Maldives is very exciting for me because it is a first step in the right direction. Dengue Fever is a health hazard to those living in the Maldives. This project recognizes this and is taking action in the present to confront it, not waiting for someone else to deal with it in the future. Additionally, the focus on collaboration with the local communities is inspiring. I am very interested in this aspect of the project. Just like with the broader problems in the world, we are all in the fight against Dengue Fever together. Community action will be key to success. Finally, the fact that the project is being done in an environmentally and ecologically responsible manner is reassuring. This will allow the disease to be managed without causing harmful side-effects. This proves that we don’t need to pay big corporations for dangerous chemicals in order to control vector-borne diseases.
The truth is, I can’t wait to get started. The Baa Atoll Mosquito Project 2013 is going to be a profound learning experience for me, and surely for everyone else involved too. With our all-star team, am confident that we will make a positive and lasting impact for the local Maldivian communities.
