The Jungle: Green Hell or Paradise?
68 ǀ POSITIV MAN
to my personal and professional growth. One of the
most valuable aspects was discovering my strengths
and weaknesses. I realised that rote memorisation
was never my strong suit, but I was good at presenting
ideas and communicating effectively. Before attending
1
st
ISO, I had never given a formal presentation, but the
school encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone,
refine my speaking skills, and build confidence. These
abilities have been incredibly useful in my career, where
clear communication and the ability to articulate ideas
play a crucial role.
Another significant skill I developed was teamwork.
Throughout my time at 1
st
ISO, I often worked
on group projects, presentations, and collaborative
tasks. This experience taught me how to manage
time efficiently, meet deadlines, and divide work fairly
while supporting my peers. Learning to navigate group
dynamics and contribute to a team effort has been
invaluable in my professional life, where collaboration
and adaptability are essential.
Nowadays, I work as part of a team and often
communicate with tourists, locals, and fellow researchers.
In doing so, I apply many of the skills I learned during
my time at 1
st
ISO.
1
st
ISO offers an international educational program.
How do you perceive the benefits of this type
of education for students compared to the traditional
Czech system?
It already says it in the heading—International. Having
an international educational program brings with
it many benefits, and I could feel the difference
compared to the traditional Czech system. Most of us
at 1
st
ISO were planning to go to university abroad,
and this type of education prepared us for that in ways
a standard Czech high school simply couldn’t.
For those staying in the Czech Republic, there was
no issue joining a Czech university, but for those
heading abroad, we were at a significant advantage.
We were already used to studying in English, writing
essays in an academic style, and thinking critically—
things that many students from traditional Czech high
schools had to adjust to later.
Another huge benefit was the support we received when
applying to foreign universities. From understanding
application processes to writing personal statements,
we had all the guidance we needed. It wasn’t just about
academics; it was about preparing us for the whole
experience of studying and living in a different country.
Beyond just university prep, the atmosphere at 1
st
ISO
felt more open-minded, diverse, and exciting. We were
constantly exposed to new perspectives, new ways
of thinking, and new cultures, which made learning feel
dynamic and engaging. Compared to what my peers
in the traditional Czech system were experiencing, our
education felt more connected to the real world—less
about memorising facts and more about understanding,
discussing, and applying knowledge.
Overall, the international aspect of our education
wasn’t just a title; it shaped the way we learned,
thought, and planned for the future. And looking back,
that made all the difference.
How do you continue to educate yourself?
What should be followed in the field
of environmental protection?
Firstly, I am very lucky that my workplace provides
me with opportunities to attend courses and workshops.
I have received many certifications this way, the most
recent one certifying me as a wolf sign documentation
specialist.
I also like to visit other protected areas. It is important
to compare conservation strategies and exchange
experiences and information. Research is always
moving forward—what is considered best practice
today may, and most likely will, change in the future.
Another thing I find important is reading. Reading,
reading, reading. I can‘t stress this enough—books,
the latest research, and scientific studies. I also try
to watch the newest nature documentaries. There
is always more to learn. You can never know everything,
but you can always know more.
A key issue in environmental protection is the
biodiversity crisis, largely driven by habitat loss. It is
crucial to stay updated on the latest regulations
and explore ways to protect existing habitats, as well
as create new ones. Ensuring these habitats are
interconnected through nature corridors is also
important. Even small actions, like keeping your own
garden a bit ‘messier,’ can provide valuable support
to local wildlife.
Thank you for the interview.
Many people think you have to travel
far and wide to see wildlife,
but there’s so much to discover
right outside your front door.