Hi everyone, my name is Olivia Carros and I am a second year student at the Ohio State University studying Environmental Policy and Decision Making with a minor in Cultural Anthropology. Once I graduate, I hope to obtain a Masters in Environmental Social Science and join the Peace Corps while traveling to different countries as often as possible.

Today I am leaving for my study abroad to Argentina and Antarctica, and there is so much to be excited about! I am looking forward to building close relationships with the people in Ushuaia and on the ship (the group will represent 32 different countries). But I am also eager to get started on my research project that will reflect on Western civilization and the challenges we are currently facing as a human race.

And what would a trip to Antarctica be without seeing the wildlife, or lack thereof. Since there are only a small number of species of wildlife that inhabit Antarctica, it will be intriguing not only to see how these species survive in such a harsh climate, but how dramatic landscapes look without the presence of flora and fauna, and only ice for miles and miles.

Visiting Antarctica has been one of my lifelong dreams, and reaching this dream at only 19 seems unreal. I know that this adventure will impact me and change the way I view the world for the rest of my life. I hope everyone can take this journey, because I already know my pictures and written experiences could never do justice to such an extraordinary place.