by There’s a particular kind of bittersweetness that accompanies the end of an adventure. As I look back on this journey, there’s a sense of accomplishment that mingles with the faint melancholy of parting ways. It’s strange how the closer you get to the end, the more you start to cherish each remaining moment, knowing that soon they’ll only exist in memory.
One of the most profound lessons from this journey was learning to embrace change and uncertainty. At the start, everything was unknown, but as I ventured forward, I realized that the very things I feared were the catalysts for growth. Each experience taught me to adapt, to be flexible, and to trust in the process, even when the destination wasn’t clear. However, I didn’t do this alone.
No adventure is ever truly solo. I met people who shaped my experience in profound ways. My fellow students and mentors were companions who walked with me. The path to each glacier, navigating through that unexpected storm, the perils of seasickness, every plankton tow, and spotting all wildlife possible. All with people that left a lasting impression. Each connection added richness to the journey, reminding me of the importance of community and the value of shared experiences.
On that note, I decided to make a small keepsake for these companions. Something that, most of them know by now, is in true Isabel fashion. A postcard, in a vintage style, that has small pieces of our adventure embedded into it. I sought to recover all the experiences into one art piece we can take with us and use to remember, because after all, what is science without art?
I find myself carrying forward the lessons learned with a sense of gratitude, treasures I’ll take with me into my next chapter. After all, the end of an adventure is never really an end. So, here’s to the adventures behind us, the lessons we’ve learned, and the exciting unknowns that await us in the future.
Yours truly,
Isabel
