Having never been to Gir, I was very excited to know that I was going to the Gir forest with my friends. I was even happier when I got to know that we are going to for the ‘Save the lions’ project. We helped the endangered Asiatic lions by making a well cover from metal so that the Lions’ don’t fall in. I was more joyful as I left all the tension from studies behind and freshening myself from daily studies with my classmates and nature was fun. The bus ride was a little tiring since it was so long however, I had talked with a lot of people that I had never interacted with before. Even though I find it very hard to interact with people, and I feel very anxious and nervous when doing so, I tried to get over those feelings and started talking with the people I have talked before, then gradually started talking to the classmates I have never spoken to.

LO2 – Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process.
I learned how to make a metal cover for the wells that are open. The process was simple, however, seeing the equipment was scary at first but then I found it very interesting and was excited to try everything. The process included welding, drilling and cutting; This was the first time I  tried any of those processes. At first, it was a little difficult but by the end of the day I got familiar with it and found it much easier and I could do it easily.

LO4- Show perseverance and commitment in CAS experience
I had injured my ankle but I still completed all the tasks and went to the night trek. It was difficult and painful to do so, but I was committed to what I have to do.

LO5 – Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively
We had to make two well covers so we were divided into two groups. personally, I find it easy to work with others so this wasn’t a difficult task especially since our grade had coordinated efficiently and could finish the work in due time. We had to work as a team to complete the cover and to shift it onto the well. Even though my ankle was hurt and I couldn’t help much in carrying the cover, I did my best and helped with everything else. I realized that we wouldn’t have met the deadline for completing the well if it wasn’t for our teamwork. This is because each of us was good at separate things and none of us was good at everything. I even realized that teamwork is very important because of this.

LO6 – Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance
The issue was that Asiatic lions were becoming endangered, there are only about 523 lions left in the Gir district. This is a global issue because these lions are an important part of the ecosystem, and their extinction can disturb it. Personally, I never knew that the lions were endangered and after engaging in this activity, I found that helping these lions affected me emotionally. After helping them I felt a sense of happiness because I had made a difference.

Overall this trip was very educational and fun at the same time, and if I had the chance I would like to go again. We successfully covered both the wells and all of us were happy about that.