BS Recreation Management and Tourism, Arizona State University
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The title of my thesis was "Unraveling Ecotourism," a story about a journey, or rather, many journeys. On a personal level it is a story of my trip to Belize. It is also an exploratory journey into the world of the ecotourist. My study was conducted at Chaa Creek, an ecolodge in the dense jungles of Belize.
The aim of my paper was to dive into the complicated reasons why one might choose ecotourism within the ocean of options, all the while remaining an active participant observer. Thus my thesis was a creative narrative written in my own voice. The Master of Arts in Sustainable Communities program provided me with that gift: voice. Thought-provoking classes on life affirming issues and a creative writing circle equipped me with the ability to recreate rich, descriptive narrative using anecdote, memory and imagination.
My emphasis area in the Master of Arts in Sustainable Communities program under the banner of "good and sustainable communities" was ecotourism. I was able to study social aspects of the subject that other ecotourism programs do not offer. Directly after graduation I was hired by an award-winning ecotourism property: Tiamo Resorts. Tiamo is showing the world how ecology, sustainability and profitability can work in tandem while providing an unparalleled guest experience—and I get to help! Like the MLS program, they commit to sound environmental practices, local culture, and education.
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| "Tiamo is showing the world how ecology, sustainability and profitability can work in tandem while providing an unparalleled guest experience..." |
Not only did the MLS program furnish me with a unique career emphasis; my personal life was affected as well. To be honest, when I came into the program my idea of contribution was half-assed (can I say that?). I was fresh off a boat from the Virgin Islands with a bottle of rum in hand while buying, selling and trading time until I figured out what I wanted to do. I had no idea what was going on in the real world, but I did have a passion for the concept of ecotourism.
From the very first class, an intensive summer workshop, my life was altered. I was no longer the flaky, depthless student I claimed at times to be. I took classes in the MLS program with titles such as: "Consciousness & Compassion"; "Beauty, Art & Ecology"; "Re-enchanting the World"; and, of course, "Visions of Good and Sustainable Communities." In MLS classes I smiled for so long my cheeks hurt, was stunned speechless, laughed so hard I thought I'd pee in my pants, cried in helpless disbelief, and sobbed in appreciation. But most significantly, I became possessed with the same fiery passion and enthusiasm for life with which the MLS faculty has blessed each of their students.