The Gold Coast
Ohio Wesleyan Student Studies Zoology, Marine Biology During Semester in Australia
Name: Ashley Mollett '27
Hometown: Westerville, Ohio
High School: Westerville North High School
Major: Zoology
Minors: Environmental Science and Sociology & Anthropology
OWU Connection Experience: Mollett spent a semester studying zoology and marine biology at Griffith University's Gold Coast campus in Australia.
"My courses focused on animal ecology, evolution, behavior, conservation, and rehabilitation," she said.
Why This Experience?
"Getting to live in Australia has always been one of my biggest dreams since I was a little girl. Nature and animals are two of my biggest passions, and Australia has some of the most stunning and diverse wildlife and landscapes in the world.
"Being able to immerse myself in a whole new culture and lifestyle while meeting so many new people and gaining hands-on experience to further study my passions in a place that will always feel like a second home has been the most meaningful experience of my life."
Favorite Moments
"I had amazing opportunities, like visiting the Australia Zoo; swimming in the Great Barrier Reef; whale, dolphin, and manta ray watchings; kangaroo, koala, kookaburra, and wombat sightings; and climbing the tallest building in Australia.
"I also got to visit many of the exciting cities like Sydney, Brisbane, and Cairns; many of the gorgeous beaches like Surfers Paradise, Noosa, Coolangatta, Stradbroke, and Burleigh Heads; and a couple of the stunning rainforests like Daintree and Mount Tamborine.
"Some of my favorite memories have been meeting new mates, karaoke and trivia nights, the beach at sunset, live music/nightlife, amusement parks and wildlife sanctuaries, thrifting and shopping at local markets, getting a new tattoo, and acai bowl and O Bagel runs!"
This experience taught me that there is so much life to live away from what you're used to, and the world is worth exploring.
Lessons Learned
"This experience taught me that there is so much life to live away from what you're used to, and the world is worth exploring.
"College and your 20s are hard, and a lot of the time you feel like you're lost within yourself and not doing enough. But you and what you are doing are always enough. So celebrate your successes, no matter how big or small, prioritize your passions and freedom, and step out of your comfort zone.
"I'm most thankful for the things I have learned about myself during this experience. I have grown in ways I didn't even know I needed. I have gained a new perspective on life and gained so many memories and new experiences that I will cherish as I look toward my future."
Campus Involvements
"I am a part of Delta Gamma sorority and Greek life. I'm also a part of Pet Pals and the Campus Programming Board.
"I conducted research on common wall lizards with the GLARE lab (Gangloff Lab of Amphibian and Reptile Ecophysiology) my freshman year, and my sophomore year, I had an internship with the Pinniped team at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, working with California Sea Lions and Pacific Harbor Seals."
Why Ohio Wesleyan?
"I chose Ohio Wesleyan because of the amazing study abroad programs and the opportunities to grow my knowledge and experiences within the Zoology/Marine Biology fields."
Plans After Graduation
"I want to work in animal conservation and study animal behavior. I want to focus on mammals, especially Pinnipeds or Pachyderms. I plan to travel and help care for and rehabilitate animals. OWU is helping me be successful by teaching me in the classroom, but also outside of it with real hands-on experiences."