By Henintsoa Rakoto Harison
“Thankful – Grateful – Blessed”
These are the three words that best encapsulate my journey since joining the Mitsilo lab team in October 2022. This lab has opened doors to opportunities beyond my wildest dreams—learning new things, collaborating with outstanding researchers, and embarking on research visits.
At the tender age of six, I fell in love with the English language. I never missed a single class at school. My father, recognizing my passion, gifted us an interactive English software, further deepening my love for the language. From these moments arose a childhood dream: to travel to the United States.
In March 2024, this secret wish finally became reality. I was invited by Boston University to present our research on the PEER Project, a study on the « Compounding impacts of COVID-19, cyclones, and price crashes on vanilla farmers’ food security and natural resource use. » This journey was my first time traveling alone abroad, and it promised an adventure like no other.
Preparation was key to ensuring I wouldn’t get lost. I reached out to people from various universities, knowing that Boston, home to Ivy League and top-tier institutions, would be a treasure trove of networking opportunities. I spent weeks poring over maps of Boston, marking all the places I wanted to visit, the restaurants I wished to try, and the locations of the universities I planned to explore. I meticulously noted everything and crafted an agenda to ensure nothing was missed. Walking, my favorite way to explore new places, was factored into my plans, with walking durations for each location carefully calculated.
Arriving at the airport, it didn’t immediately hit me that my feet had finally touched the soil of my dream country. It took two days for the reality to sink in, as I prepared for the busy schedule ahead. The day after my arrival, I had an appointment with a Ph.D. student from Harvard University. Our discussions were rich and insightful, covering student life in the US, our respective research, and a whirlwind tour of Boston. He guided me through the Harvard University Library, one of the largest in the US, and to the John Harvard statue, reputed to bring luck. We explored Downtown, home to many of the places I had marked on my map, and he introduced me to Boston’s train system.
John Harvard Statue. It is said that touching the statue’s foot will bring you to Harvard
Harvard study spots
Harvard University Library
The following days were a whirlwind. I engaged with students in the lab where I was to present my talk, spending days in discussion and camaraderie. I met scholars from Northeastern University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology and held several meetings with Dr. Andrew Bell to discuss future directions for the PEER Project. My daily walks from the hotel to BU were a joy, offering stunning views of the Charles River, even on rainy days.
At week’s end, I delivered my talk at the Department of Earth and Environment, addressing a diverse group of international researchers. The experience was both enriching and memorable, with stimulating discussions and exchanges.
Photo after the talk at Boston University – Dr. Andrew Bell, Boston University students, and myself.
Charles River
Boston is a « must-visit » destination, hiding gems that create lasting memories. The delightful croissants and brownies from Tatte, the Impossible Burger (completely vegetarian) at Wahlburgers, and the acai bowls at Life Alive are a few highlights.
The Impossible (Veggie burger from Wahlburgers)
Tattee’s breakfast
Acai bowl from Life Alive
My journey in Boston was not only professionally enriching but also a personal rejuvenation. I am eternally grateful, firstly to the team, especially Dr. Sarobidy Rakotonarivo and Dr. Andrew Bell, and to the funders of the PEER Project, for making this research visit happened .
