Texts and Treks Final
Reflection
To properly convey what we
have learned over the course of the semester, our group chose to create a power
point and recorded video presentation. We chose this format so that our words
would have a visual element to them, and we would have the opportunity to
display our themes with photos from throughout the semester. Below are the
explanations for why each of chose the theme that we did for our final semester
presentation:
Lauren Grace: As someone who often rushes through
her days, I found it pertinent to discuss one of my major takeaways from this
semester- the importance of slowing down and observing what is around us. I
have found myself to be more appreciative of my time outside and the beauty of
nature after this semester of class.
Sheridan: As a Biology major, I have studied nature
in many of my classes, from the cellular building blocks to the intricacies of
entire ecosystems. Therefore, I have always had an appreciation for nature, but
I had not yet analyzed my own relationship with it until this semester. I
believe it is so important for every individual to establish their own place in
the natural world to learn not only about nature itself as it relates to
environmentalism and ecology, but also to better understand themselves.
Bennett: I have had a lot going on in my life this
semester. In busy windows, I often feel a dissonance between the person I am in
the moment and the person that I want to be. It manifests as a feeling of not
accomplishing what I think I am capable of. In nature, I feel this go away.
Each time at the reserve, we were given a straightforward task to complete. As
I felt this dissonance in other areas of my life, I attacked each day at the
reserve with a lot of energy. It felt good to be able to see tangible progress
each time we went out. Being in nature has always brought me peace. This class
showed me the healing power that can come from working hard outdoors. I know I
can rely on that for the rest of my life whenever that feeling of not measuring
up arises.
Todd: My theme is taking the time to engage with
things that I otherwise would have passed up. All connected to our Treks
and Texts class, they include my Mary Oliver readings, working at the Nature
Center’s forest, and heartfelt journaling. These experiences opened
me up to new opportunities for learning, self-development, and community
service. I have become more open to new ideas and adventures, and have
become more grateful for the beauty and meaning in nature.
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