Megan Bulloch, Class of 1998
PhD Student, Primatologist, University of Ohio

Where are you now, and what are you doing?

When I first read the questions, I thought it said, "Where and what are you now?"....I thought I'd tell you that the course had given me the skills and desire to become a bonobo (species related to chimpanzees). Alas, it's what I'm doing, but an ED 100 alumni who'd become a bonobo is far more scandalous! So...what then, AM I doing?? I'm living and working at the Chimpanzee Centre in Columbus, Ohio, working every day with chimps who have been rescued from circuses, zoos, and biomedical research facilities. My supervisor (and real reason for being in Ohio) is Dr. Sally Boysen. I'm totally and completely doing what I love every single second.

What will you never forget about this course?

What will I never forget about the course?? That Meguido made me write again. I haven't written anything that wasn't an email or academic paper in years. Meguido made me think about me and the write it all down. I've been writing way more ever since.

What would you say to students considering (or taking) this course?

THROW YOURSELF IN WITH BOTH FEET. Don't hold back; don't think -- just talk and feel and experience and grow. You'll get to know yourself better at the end.

Sam Teja, Class of 2000
Environmental Scientist in Progress

Where are you now and what are you doing?

Right now I'm in Beppu City, Japan, at the new campus of Japan's most acclaimed and renowned university, The Ritsumeikan University (RITS). This campus is international, comprised of students from all over the world. The goal is to learn about each other and with each other while immersing ourselves in English and Japanese. Of course, I'll also be working toward my main goal: getting a BA in Environmental Science, more specifically, Urban Development. In the first year I will be taught completely in English, 2nd year will be one semester of English and one of Japanese, and each consecutive year will be full Japanese immersion.

What will you never forget about this course?

My experience with was definitely a memorable one. It was a forum for discussion, like no other. A forum without prejudice or discrimination--where you could really speak and really be heard. I know I won't have another class like that, and I really value the time I had there. The online [FirstClass] component is also very valuable; without it, I don't know that I would like the class so much. It kind of gives the students the freedom to converse in a format that yields no social implications, y'know?

What would you say to students considering (or taking) this course?

...just take it for a week, if you're not convinced--drop it. Plain and simple. I think you will find it informative and just overall wonderful!!!!! I loved it, everyone who has taken it has just raved about it. Meguido Zola is an excellent teacher with a great vision. Now, if that's not good enough, just think, I was a student in this class and now I'm in Japan doing Environmental Science! After which I plan to study law in America (Environmental Law) and then sue many large corporations for lots and lots of money. You could be me! And who wouldn't want to do that?