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For Eric Walsh, his time studying abroad with SFS in Tanzania in ​the Fall of ​2014 was a life-changing experience that left lasting memories and deep connections. The friendships he formed with his cohort have remained an important part of his life, and he has created a unique tradition to keep those bonds alive: the “reunion flag.” This Tanzanian flag, which Eric has carried with him to every reunion, symbolizes his ongoing commitment to reconnecting with his SFS family. His dream is to gather as many signatures as possible on the flag and eventually bring it back to Moyo Hill, the site where he shared his last sunrise with the group – a memory that still holds a special place in his heart.

Eric’s most recent reunion with his cohort may not have been large, but it was filled with heartfelt moments. Due to illness and unforeseen circumstances, only five of his fellow alumni could attend, along with a few children and partners. But despite the smaller turnout, they managed to relive the magic of their time together in Tanzania – sharing stories, playing cards just like they did back in the bandas, and even discovering an authentic East African restaurant that brought a taste of Tanzania to their reunion. While they also held a virtual reunion during the pandemic to celebrate their 5-year anniversary, nothing compares to the joy of being together in person again, laughing and reminiscing about their shared experiences.

The reunion flag, now having traveled to seven states and even Grand Cayman, has become a physical representation of the deep connections formed during Eric’s time in Tanzania. Each time the flag travels to a new location and is signed by another cohort member, it brings Eric a step closer to his ultimate goal. “Driving through the Serengeti gate and waking up early to hike as a group to watch the last sunrise atop Moyo Hill are memories locked in my mind forever,” Eric recalls fondly. “Our group was the first to be entirely located at the Tanzania center [instead of splitting time between Tanzania and Kenya, as previous cohorts had done], and despite being the largest group they’d had, we were incredibly close. It was a special time.”

Eric’s time in Tanzania had a lasting impact not only on his friendships but also on his career. As a Zoology major at the University of Wisconsin, Eric’s Directed Research focused on human-animal relations, particularly the perceptions of human-wildlife conflict surrounding mesopredators, crows, and raptors. His experiences in Tanzania ignited a passion for understanding how people and animals coexist, something that continues to influence his professional life. After graduating, he started Walsh Visual Media, a photography business that drew from the images he captured during his time in Tanzania.

Later, Eric went on to become a marine mammal trainer at the Aquarium of Niagara, working with seals, sea lions, and penguins. After six years in training, Eric transitioned into the ​​Aquarium’s Communications department, where he now oversees the ​​Aquarium’s media channels and shapes content strategy. Through his work, he continues to tell the stories of rescued and non-releasable animals, using storytelling to engage the public in important conversations about conservation and how humans share the world with animals.

But perhaps the most lasting impact of Eric’s time with SFS is the friendships he formed. He has reconnected with more than 15 people from his cohort over the years. Three of them were even part of his wedding, and one is his daughter’s godfather. These deep, lifelong connections speak to the power of shared experiences and the lasting bonds that form when people come together for a meaningful cause.

Eric’s reunion flag continues to travel the world, and as he carries it to each new reunion, it serves as a reminder of the friendships, memories, and lessons that have shaped his life. His dream of returning to Moyo Hill, with his family and the flag in tow, remains a powerful goal. For Eric, the flag represents not just a place and a time, but the enduring connections that continue to influence his journey, both personally and professionally. And one day, when the flag finally reaches its destination, it will complete a circle that has spanned years, states, and continents – a testament to the lasting impact of his SFS experience in Tanzania.