Elizabeth Marie Melchionna
Davidson College
Summer 2001
Kia Ora from New Zealand,
About this time of year, two years ago, I asked a question many of you might be asking of yourselves- what will I do this summer? I had just returned from a semester abroad in Madagascar where I studied Ecology and Environmental Policy. I knew I wanted to continue that vein of study during my summer. When I came upon the EcoQuest summer program in New Zealand, it seemed an ideal match for my interests.
I spent a very full five weeks at EcoQuest in the summer of 2001, during which time I grew not only intellectually but also personally. The staff at EcoQuest helped me to expand and fine-tune my technical field skills as well as my scientific writing abilities.
I also received lots of personal assistance from the EcoQuest field and academic staff. As an English and Anthropology major at my home institution, my time at EcoQuest enabled me to learn to see myself as a scientist and helped equip me with the skills needed for conservation in the United States. During my five weeks in New Zealand I also became dear friends with fellow students- and I still keep in touch with many of them!
EcoQuest's programme, staff, and mission made such a positive impression on me that I have returned to live and work with the EcoQuest gang (in what I consider to be one of the most beautiful places in the world). As a former student, I would welcome any questions that you might have about the EcoQuest experience. Please contact the EcoQuest Admissions Office at ecoquest@unh.edu They can put you in touch with me and answer any questions about the program and application process. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Marie Melchionna
Davidson College ('02)
