The Polar Girl

Date of experience: 17 September, 2010

Venue of experience: CLT Hall, UBD

Purpose of Experience: To become enlightened and inspired by Dk Najibah Era, the first Bruneian woman to cross the Antarctic and also to learn a bit about global climate change and ozone issues.

What was the highlight of the experience?

Dk Najibah Era, also known locally as "The Polar Girl," told her story of her experience with Kaspersky Lab Commonwealth Antarctic Expedition team in the journey across the Antarctic to the South Pole. Throughout this journey she became Brunei's first person to ski the 900 kms across the Antarctic and has become an example for the youth of Brunei to look up to because of her drive to complete the challenge. While speaking to students, she has also been highlighting the issues of global warming and the growing hole in the ozone layer.

What aspect caused you the most anxiety?

To many of my peers, the most anxious part if this experience was the 30 degree Celsius temperatures and harsh conditions that the expeditionists had to endure but I personally found that the most anxious part was learning about the growing hole (or increasingly thin part) in our ozone layer above the Antarctic. From the website, http://www.coolantarctica.com/Antarctica%20fact%20file/science/ozone_hole.htm I have learned that this layer, measures about 3-5 mm and is made up of oxygen atoms O2 and O3 which combine to protect the earth from ultraviolet rays by absorbing large quantities from the sun. This has an effect on everything living on earth; in particularly starting with the eyes and phytoplankton in the oceans. The ozone's deterioration has been an issue for decades as technology advances and as more people populate the earth.

Was there any aspect of the experience that surprised you?

The aspect that surprised me was that the woman all speak different languages but were able to communicate well and without much complication. The expedition across the Antarctic is a dangerous one and they have to work together. I am pleasantly proud and surprised that (to be frank) they are women, and that they were able to work well together.

What are the three most important things you learnt from this experience:

1. Language barrier can be broken with the right attitude

2. I learntthat the Kaspersky Lab Commonwealth Antarctic Expedition is proudly made of women

3. Brunei's participation in such events makes for a great role model for young adults.

Which aspects would you include in your future behavior based on your learning from this experience?

I learned that even in Brunei, women play an important role in leader the country. With this experience Dk Najibah will have women and kids of all ages looking up to her and taking her more seriously when she speaks about global warming. Women are increasingly encouraged throughout the world to do difficult tasks and to be the first in their field. Having the successful woman speak to our class about her journey and global warming put into perspective the increasing influence women will have as we find ourself in a more equal society with men.

Thank you BEACA professors for giving students this opportunity to greet the first Bruneian woman to complete the expedition. This experience sounds exciting and it's a pity that I wasn't able to make it to this activity.