Sumno! (hello), I am Suree Lor, and I live in Saint Paul, Minnesota. I am an upcoming junior at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University (CSBSJU). I am majoring in Biology and minoring in Exercise Health and Science. At CSBSJU, I am the secretary for the intercultural club called Hmong American Involving Students (HAIS). HAIS promotes an understanding of the Hmong culture on campus and builds a community across all cultural contexts. Serving this club has provided me with many opportunities and the necessary experience to be a great scholar for The Round River Conservation Studies in Mongolia. I am intrigued by Round River’s mission and vision for conserving the environment. Like a dream that came true, I am now in Mongolia! Out of the many research opportunities Round River offers here, my field research focuses on the Vansemberuu population and density in the Darhad Valley. Vansemberuu is an important medicinal plant that is culturally valued and spiritually sacred to the native people. Vansemberuu is an endangered species that faces the threat of illegal poaching and international trade pressure.
Within the six days during the Vansemberuu trip, I have made many memories and gained a tremendous amount of knowledge regarding the landscape and the different plant and animal species in the Darhad Valley. During the data collection section, we obtained our data by measuring ten-by-ten-meter plots and performing multiple transects on steep talus slopes. Overall, the trip was a mixture of strong emotions for me and my peers. Climbing up the steep mountains challenged my mental and physical capabilities. Many times, in our exhausting hikes up the spongy-like mossy mountains, disappointment and frustration were expected. I was often overwhelmed with frustration because I would get exhausted after every step. However, whenever I reached the top of a mountain, there was always an explosion of happy emotions. At the top, I could feel the mighty wind trying to push me back to the bottom. The pikas would call from beneath my feet telling me to go away, and the colorful birds would fly just high enough to be out of reach. The scenery at the top was surreal, making me feel small and adventurous. I realize that the roller coaster ride of emotions has propelled me to new heights. I am thrilled to say that I mentally challenged myself to perform physical activities that I would have never been able to back home.
My favorite moments from the trip were the activities-filled nights. Around the warm campfire were many card games, and everyone sang to the guitar being played by Erin Vostal and fire fortune telling by Badamgarav Dovchin. Although I did not participate in the card games, I had an amazing time admiring everyone’s competitiveness. Despite everyone trying, the park rangers, Nyam-Ocher and Zaya, were the best players. Our loud laughers and giggles filled the quiet space and echoed throughout the dense forest and tall mountains. Then, the singing began. With a guitar missing one string, Erin managed to beautifully strum the guitar around the campfire prepared by Chris Smith. The songs were contagious, infecting whoever was trying to warm themselves near the fire. I wasn’t familiar with the songs, but I still tried my best, and I eventually learned the lyrics and recognized the rhythm.
As the sun hid behind the tall mountains, the campfire flames brightened, illuminating us and whatever was nearby. Then, Badmaa began her fire fortune-telling skills with the assistance of Nyam-Ocher. Together, they stared into the bright fire; she said my full name and took a photo of the active flames. “Do you know anyone who has started with the letter ‘Y’?” She asks with curiosity after examining the captured image. “Yer Vang!” I shockingly replied. Yer and I are high school sweethearts, and I was amazed by the coincidence. Even though there were moments of confusion, the fortune-telling continued throughout the night, and everyone had a good time.
In retrospect, Mongolia has felt like home as I discovered the Darhad Valley’s enchanting beauty through the Vansemberuu trip. The trip has provided me with a playground of thrilling activities. I have camped under the starlit sky and have woken up to the stunning sunrise. The Vansemberuu trip has offered me adrenaline-fueled adventures that have left me with unforgettable memories. These memories allowed me to appreciate this area that boasts a wide range of natural wonders. As I ventured into the great outdoors, I immersed myself in the beauty of rolling grassland, snow-capped peaks, and dramatic canyons.