One Step Closer to Conservation

I am always keen to work directly with the conservation-based club activities as it helps to advance leadership and communication skills in several ways. When I started my commencement at the UQ, was looking for something like this. Fortunately, two of the previous board members of the Society for Conservation Biology (UQ-Brisbane Chapter) were from the ‘Fuller Lab’, so I used to receive regular updates from them. It’s notable to mention that the SCB UQ-Brisbane Chapter is a part of the international organization, ‘Society for Conservation Biology’. SCB is an international professional organization which aims to promote scientific work which has an impact on the maintenance, loss, and restoration of plants and animal diversity.

Well, what motivates me? Good question! Previously, back in Bangladesh, I was the ‘Founder President’ of the ‘Dhaka University Nature Conservation Club’, ‘Volunteer Co-ordinator’ of the ‘Save Our Sea’ and acted as a ‘Class Representative’ throughout my University (Bachelors and Masters) life. These positions taught me to do something in such a way that I can cooperate with everyone, to motivate random people and perform something in a very optimal and efficient manner, and to inspire and enthuse young students and keep them attached to conservation. These activities eventually triggered my teamwork and management skills as well as enhanced my leadership skill.

I was dreaming to be a part of the organizing committee since the very fast day. I always tried my best to take part in every event in the last couple of months. For instance, a few months ago, SCB UQ Brisbane Chapter organized a plant-restoration program at the St. Lucia campus to attract some endangered butterflies of Brisbane. I planted lots of plants in my childhood when I used to live in the countryside, so it became nostalgic to me; and most importantly, as being a ‘butterfly freak’, how can I miss this? In total, we planted nearly 600 native plants in four plots. Furthermore, when Micha (previous President) sent an email to the members asking who want to act as volunteers in the Semester-2 Market Day, I immediately grabbed that opportunity. It was fun sharing how this club works and why they should join this club, especially to the undergrads.

Some weeks ago, the moment came when we, the SCB UQ members, received an email mentioning ‘who wants to nominate themselves as an upcoming board member’ which would be finalized during the Annual General Meeting. Anticipating my previous experiences, I nominated myself as ‘Secretary’ and got elected today (17^th October). I am hopeful about my role in the upcoming months as working with such a vibrant group will eventually lead me to make some real contribution to nature.