I knew that Antarctica would be unlike anything that I had experienced before, so I went there with few specific expectations.  Instead I went prepared for a once in a lifetime experience, one that would introduce me to new sights, ideas, and perspectives. Antarctica was all this and more. Initially the most striking aspect of Antarctica was the incredible magnitude of features such as the mountain ranges, ice bergs, krill aggregations, and penguin rookeries.  Palmer station and we, the inhabitants, seemed dwarfed by these surroundings. In time I became intrigued by the subtleties of the natural environment, in particular those that were associated with the changing of seasons: the decaying face of glaciers, penguin chicks leaving their nest islands, and krill aggregations and whale sightings dissipating over time. These are just a few of the examples of seasonal changes that gave a very real sense of the passage of time.  One facet of the experience that I had not anticipated was the stimulating interactions with other scientists and support staff on the station and research vessels.  There were a number of very bright, interesting individuals with varied backgrounds that all contributed to enriching the overall experience.   

My time in Antarctica was certainly beneficial from a scientific perspective. There is an inherent value in expanding ones experiences to include working someplace as different as Antarctica. It was the first time that I had worked in a polar or pelagic system. I found it interesting to see the way in which ecological concepts I held from other projects were applied in that novel environment. On a more practical note, I learned many new skills that are associated with working in such a system, such as sampling using plankton nets and sonar. 

Antarctica was also beneficial from a personal perspective. It was fulfilling to finally visit the place that had captivated my childhood imagination. But I think the most important benefit of my visit to Antarctica was that my sense of wonder in nature became renewed and invigorated. As I enter graduate school, I feel that even if I never again have the opportunity to work in Antarctica that I will continue to reap the benefits of the experience on many different levels.