A Dream Come True

Golden hour graze — a gentle giant enjoys a quiet sunset snack. Photo by Sophia Rojas
Golden hour graze — a gentle giant enjoys a quiet sunset snack. Photo by Sophia Rojas

By Sophia Rojas

Ever since I can remember, I've been captivated by the natural world. I can thank my grandpa Kevin for that. From his countless hunting stories to receiving National Geographic and Discovery magazines in the mail, what seemed like a very average activity with my grandpa turned out to be incredibly inspirational. It sparked my first-ever interest in conservation and wildlife. So, when I had the chance to study abroad in South Africa to learn about those things, I didn't hesitate. It was a dream come true—a chance to live and learn in one of the most biologically rich and iconic environments on Earth.

One of the most rewarding parts of the experience was the people I met along the way. I was surrounded by fellow students, each of us united by a shared passion for wildlife, conservation, and protecting the planet. We formed deep connections through our shared challenges and the hours of laughter we shared with one another — whether it was spotting our first Kori bustard or spending hours trying to identify which poop belonged to which species. Just as meaningful was the opportunity to learn from professionals who have dedicated their lives to this work. Many of our instructors and field guides have committed their careers to the Makuleke Concession, and that came with a knowledge of South Africa's ecosystems that went far beyond textbooks or a Canvas page. Their understanding was rooted in direct experience, cultural heritage, and a deep, almost spiritual connection to the land. Being mentored by these experts was a privilege, and their stories, wisdom, and humility left a lasting impression on me.

Read the rest of Sophia's story and see the amazing pictures that she took at https://snr.unl.edu/aboutus/what/newstory.aspx?fid=1265