James Weckerle
We arrived in Chaing Rai from Bangkok at 9am, but we were not scheduled to be picked up by Earthwatch until 3pm. We did this because of light cost and availability, and at the time it seemed like we would not mind a little calm and airport exploration before officially starting our expedition.
To make a long story short, this was a bad plan. The Chaing Rai airport is about 100m long, has just a handful of shops, and a Dairy Queen (that served great curry.). While this was fun to look at for the first 15 minutes, it lost its charm well before we reached the 7th hour of waiting. Fortunately, during this time Connie and I were able to meet up with our first team mate.
So, yesterday, I managed to corner James for a another volunteer profile.
Who? James Weckerle
From? Pasadena, CA
Occupation: Hazardous Material Specialist and teaches chemistry in the fire technology department at Pasadena College
Interesting Fact: This is James' 6th Earthwatch Expedition and 7th Eco tourism service learning vacation.
Q; How did you find out about Earthwatch and their expeditions?
A: I found it by accident. I was fascinated by orcas at the time and I was searching for an experience where I could work with them. Then I came across their website.
Q: Why did you decide to spend your vacation time doing scientific research through Earthwatch?
A: I have science genes and I wanted to use them. I wanted my vacations to mean something more than me just dumping money into the local economy. I also liked the idea of going off the beaten path and working in places I could not have seen if I was just a tourist.
Q: What editions have you participated with?
A: 1) Desert dwelling giraffes in Namibia
2) American crocodile researcher in Cuba
3) Mammals on the Mongolian Step
4) Sharks in Belize
5) Elephants in Thailand
6) Marine mammals and basking sharks in Scotland (currently not an Earthwatch program)
7). Back to Thailand to see "my" elephants. I knew the second I left two years ago that I had to come back.
Q: How has volunteering through Earthwatch changed you?
A: At work, I am a project manager. I find that when I go home from an expedition I feel refreshed from getting to be part of a research team. While my work involves science, it is most applying what others figured out. I also find that the interaction with other Earth Watchers, the travel and the science broadens my perspective on the world around me. I now find I am much better at looking at issues and conflicts from many sides.
Q: What advice would you give to my students about being a life-long learner?
A: I have found that it is not so much about "if opportunity knocks open the door." I have found that it is important to be willing to walk the path so that opportunity can find you. Put yourself into a position where you give yourself a chance to be discovered.
Also, don't worry so much about your career title, money, or prestige. Find something to do that you love, and all that other stuff will come along.
Q: What is your next adventure?
A: I want to do an Earthwatch adventure in Australia because I have never been there.
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