Florence Beffa

1. The most important life lesson I learnt from Mike was …

That we never have to give up, we can reach everything we want. We, youth are the future, we have to change the world.

2. What will change in your life after this experience?

I will change my mind as I'll see that it's possible to make a change with other young people. We always have to stay optimistic. And even if something is hard, or looks scary, it doesn't mean that it's impossible to accomplish, if you want it, you can do it.
Now I have lots of contacts all over the world which is a huge chance that I have. We will be able to share our ideas and to make projects in different countries.

3. The best part of this adventure was …

The first time we went scuba diving. I did it for the first time and it was a big and emotional moment for me. I love mountaineering, climbing, the high part of the world, but there I discovered a new place which is magical. I felt like in a dream. There was so much around me, that I immediately forgot my stress: The beautiful underwater world has so much to give and has something magical. It gave me the desire to do the diving certificate and to learn more about the underwater world.

4. The worst was …

When I got the most violent sunburn of my life, in my back. It hurt so much that I couldn't sleep on my back. But the worst thing of the worst things =) was when I had to say goodbye to everyone. We were all so connected after 3 weeks that everybody become a very important person in my life.

5. What will you miss most when you leave?

I'll especially miss the people. After being three weeks with people that have the same interests as me, after sharing very strong moments, we became very attached. We have seen the most amazing and beautiful places in the world together (Andaman islands!!). We were all from different countries which means different cultures and different religions. Due to this fact, we were very respectful of each other and we learnt a lot about each country. Every single person made me learn a LOT about myself and helped me to believe in me. After three weeks, I felt that I've known them for already ten years. I've got a stronger relationship than with people I've been seven years to school with. But one of the elements that I'll miss most is all the fun we had together! I've never laughed as much as that, before! =) I love everybody so much and I really want to keep in touch with all of them!

6. What did you learn from..Catherine, Valentina, Manuel, Reuben, Mark, Elena, Lucie, Florence, Paridhi

Catherine: I learned a lot about myself, from her. First of all to be more confident and to believe in myself. And that I never have to compare myself to other people. She gave me so much confidence! She always helped me when I had difficulties to express myself in English.
Valentina: Valentina taught me a lot about my character. With her I learned to accept myself and to believe in me. At the same time we had so much fun together. When I felt bad because I had to leave everybody, she was so nice to me, she gave me my smile back. She helped me a lot with my English, when I didn't understand words. And of course, she's the best diving buddy you can have.
Manuel: not to delete always the pictures where I looked so stupid.
Reuben: He taught me a bit how to dance. I learned a lot of different practical works.
Mark: not to stay always serious. Life has to be funny and that it's important to make the most of it, with a lot of fun. I also learned how to edit videos.
Elena: how to take good pictures. And that if you have an idea, never think about the others, just be yourself and do what you think is good.
Lucie: always to be happy and smiling (even if she has just eaten the most spicy food of her life xD ) even if not every day is easy.
Paridhi: she gave me a lot of self-confidence

7. As a Pangaea ambassador, I would like to …

Spread the Pangaea message and to motivate as much people as possible to apply for expeditions or to join the big family. In my opinion it's really important to sensibilise people, especially the younger generation about our beutiful world. I also would like to take part in different projects with other young explorers, all over the world.

8. What is your life philosophy?

Enjoy every second of your life, because you have only one. And: Smile and the world smiles at you. Cry and you cry alone.

9. What was the most useful thing you brought on expedition?

My enthusiasm and my notebook. AND of course the swiss chocolate!!

10. What made me laugh the most was …

When we were in a taxi in Kolkata and Make did as he wouldn't understand that you have to stop at a red traffic light. And of course the moose cut.

11. What got you through the expedition?

My friends.

12. The five words that describe me are:

Adventurous, generous, mountain lover, hard-working, curious