Isabelle Monroe, a junior environmental studies major from Gaylord, Mich., received a Posey Global grant to participate in the SU25 Great Barrier Reef Marine Conservation Volunteer Program in Australia, an opportunity that allowed her to engage directly in hands-on ecological restoration and environmental fieldwork while exploring global conservation issues firsthand.
Was this a valuable experience? Why or why not?
Yes, this was an incredibly valuable experience, both personally and professionally. It gave me the chance to “apply what I’ve researched in my college coursework to real-world conservation work,” while expanding my understanding of global environmental challenges in a way the classroom alone can’t. Working directly on coral restoration, marine-debris removal, and sea-turtle ecosystem monitoring helped me build practical skills in conservation science and ecological assessment — skills that are foundational to the kind of environmental research and policy work I hope to pursue.
Just as importantly, I saw how local projects connect to larger issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental governance. Being in the field pushed me to grow in unexpected ways — whether it was adapting when I got sick the first few days or collaborating with volunteers from different countries and cultural backgrounds. It strengthened my resilience, communication skills, and global perspective. Overall, this experience reaffirmed my commitment to environmental work and gave me a clearer sense of purpose and the confidence to contribute meaningfully to environmental solutions.
What are the most important or influential things you learned? Why?
One of the most surprising things I learned was how strongly I’m drawn to freshwater ecosystems — something I hadn’t fully realized before. Even though the program was centered on the Great Barrier Reef, being surrounded by saltwater every day made me think deeply about the environments I feel most connected to. Oddly enough, it wasn’t the saltwater that resonated most with me — it was the realization that I’m especially connected to Michigan’s own Great Lakes.
Conversations with volunteers and learning more about how inland pollution, agriculture, and water-management practices affect coral health made me see how crucial freshwater systems are to marine systems. That connection reshaped my academic interests. I realized that freshwater conservation and watershed management may be the areas where I want to focus my energy. This shift gave me a more specific direction for my coursework and career. In a way, discovering my love for freshwater systems during a marine conservation project was unexpected — but that’s exactly what made this experience so meaningful.
How will this experience help your future academic and career goals?
This experience has already shaped how I’m thinking about both my academic and career paths. It clarified that I’m especially interested in freshwater ecology, watershed management, and environmental policy — fields I now want to pursue through classes, research, or independent study. Even though the program centered on marine conservation, it helped me understand how interconnected aquatic systems are, especially how land-based activities influence coral reefs.
Professionally, I see myself pursuing work that bridges science and policy, perhaps in water-resource management, ecosystem protection, or climate resilience. I gained hands-on field-research experience as well as teamwork and adaptability skills — qualities essential for graduate study and environmental careers. The program also gave me the confidence to pursue more international and interdisciplinary opportunities, knowing I can adapt and contribute in unfamiliar settings.
What was your favorite part of the experience?
My favorite part was the daily snorkeling trips on either Fitzroy Island or Green Island. Being able to explore coral ecosystems every weekday was unforgettable. One of the most meaningful parts was seeing sea turtles almost every day. There was something incredibly peaceful and grounding about swimming alongside them, watching them glide effortlessly through the water. Snorkeling gave me a deeper, more personal connection to the reef — I started recognizing coral structures, fish species, and even patterns of behavior. It was beautiful, meditative, and motivating all at once, and it made the conservation work feel personal.
Would you recommend this experience to other students? Why or why not?
Absolutely. It was one of the most meaningful opportunities I’ve had at Alma College. The hands-on fieldwork and cultural immersion offer a type of learning you simply can’t get in a classroom. For anyone interested in environmental science, conservation, or sustainability, this program provides practical skills — data collection, species ID, ecosystem monitoring — and a deeper understanding of global environmental challenges. If you’re curious, passionate, and open to stepping outside your comfort zone, this experience can expand your academic perspective and might also shift your worldly perspective.
Did you develop any skills that will help you in the future? Did you face unexpected challenges?
Yes, I developed many skills that will help me moving forward. Some were expected, like ecological data collection, field-observation techniques, and functioning effectively on a conservation team. But I also developed resilience, patience, and self-care strategies by navigating the challenges that came up. Working with volunteers from around the world strengthened my cultural and interpersonal communication skills — essential for global environmental work.
Another unexpected outcome was discovering a strong personal interest in freshwater ecosystems, especially the Great Lakes. That realization gave me clearer academic direction and potential research goals. Overall, this experience was eye-opening, humbling, and deeply motivating. It reminded me why I chose environmental science — and why I want to dedicate my future to protecting the ecosystems we all depend on.
Learn more about the ways Alma College offers hands-on learning to its students at alma.edu.