I feel like a Nomad
Traveling Geneva, returning to Bogotá, a life-changing summer camp, and Oasis updates
For new visitors:
I’m Isabela Ferrer (Isa), a Colombian 🇨🇴 17-year-old living in Miami, Fl. Learning is my biggest passion. I enjoy diving into new subjects and areas and exploring them inside and out, so be ready to find some (apparently) random content now and then. I like keeping myself busy and am hungry for new experiences that take me out of my comfort zone and help me grow. Come along with me on this adventure. Subscribe!
For old friends:
I spent the last month traveling. I went from Switzerland to my aunt’s house in Bogotá, to my grandmother’s house in Cajicá, to my summer camp in Los Llanos, to my other grandmother’s house in Medellin… I think I am officially a Nomad.
Switzerland pt. 2
After the Villars Symposium, my TKS friends and I went to explore Geneva. We visited tourist spots, tried traditional chocolate, and went to nearby towns like Laussane and Montreux. The views were mind-blowing.
On the last day in Geneva, we had meetings with the World Economic Forum, CERN, AKDN, and Mercuria. During these, I learned about agriculture initiatives that have been done by the WEF in Colombia, about specific materials that are being used to accelerate the use of superconductors to power planes, how electric vehicles can be used to store energy at a large scale, how energy trading works, and so much more.
Colombia
I hadn’t been with my family in over a year so seeing everything again (my friends, my dog, my neighborhood, etc.), generated a mixture of feelings. I felt excited knowing that I would see everybody and sad when remembering that I’m only a visitor.
Coming back to Colombia always makes me reflect on my life in Miami and whether I want to live in Bogotá again someday. I tend to fall into the trap of thinking that life here would be better, but as they say, the grass is always greener on the other side. I have learned to be grateful and appreciate what I have at the moment. Also, I have realized that I can be happy anywhere, it’s up to me.
Kajuyali
Kajuyali is a summer camp in a rural part of Los Llanos near Puerto Lopez, Colombia. I was there for 2 weeks and had many unique experiences that took me out of my comfort zone. During the camp, I had no access to technology which took me out of the routine I’m used to in which I’m always being productive, always connected, and turning to my laptop whenever I have the chance. Here are just a few examples of all the amazing things I did.
One night we went camping in the middle of nowhere. Building the tents and the bathroom, playing games, making dinner at a campfire, and singing under the stars were a few of the things we did. I connected so much with my friends that it ended up being my favorite night at the camp.
I attempted a 36-hour military challenge that has the purpose of helping you find your limits. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life. Doing it made me realize that everybody has different strengths and weaknesses. This is something we are always saying but it’s hard to internalize.
Many others like organizing cattle, milking cows, learning how to saddle a horse, horseback riding through lakes, poop wars, water-skiing, feeding ostriches, swimming under a ferry at night, dancing in express parties in the cafeteria, etc.
Another big thing I took away from the camp is a philosophy that they repeat again and again. “Let yourself be surprised”. I usually plan everything I will do so being exposed to this new way of living was uncomfortable. Not knowing what or when things were going to happen made me feel weird. However, I did get more surprised and I learned to enjoy the thrill of not knowing and letting things be without trying to control them.
Oasis updates
Even though this month has been moving slower for me in terms of project progress, content creation, and building, Oasis hasn’t stopped. Our research, reach outs, and ideation have continued and are paying off.
Oasis is the moonshot project that I started with some TKS friends (Annie, Vidushi, Elanu, and Anushka). It is a device that adsorbs water molecules from the air and produces drinking water.
Right now, we are applying for some fellowships and grants to be able to fund our prototype so that we can start testing the different parts of our device (adsorbent material, temperature requirements, electricity generation, etc.) Even though we have been getting no’s from some organizations like IB, others like LOI are showing interest in our work.
And… we’re done for now! Hope to see you back around here soon.
What to expect by the end of August 🗓
Reflections on the Explore Fellowship and New York
Response from the 2E 1517 Teenager program
Congrats Isabela! Villars and Columbia looked fantastic!!