Sustainability

I believe that the concept of sustainability in our environment is very important. In order to ensure a future we must all live sustainable lives to protect our environment. I am a history major and an education minor and I plan to teach either middle or high school. Although the environment and sustainable living is rarely a topic of discussion in my classes, I believe it may be something I can stress the importance of when I begin to teach. History is the study and analyzing of the past, thus we can use history to study the history of environment and sustainability among our ancestors. How did people live in 1850? Did they recycle?

Sustainability within my personal lifestyle is important but unfortunately it is not something I am constantly aware of. I do make an effort to use the three rs, I do use the "green" bags that many stores are now providing instead of plastic, I recycle glass, plastic, and paper, and I always pick up after myself. Sustainable living is something that I know is important and I attempt to live sustainably but I also know that I do not put in as much effort as I should.

I believe that the concept of sustainability in university education is very important. As college students, we are the future. Learning about the environment and the importance of its protection allows us to start living that way but also allows us to spread the word. I believe it is especially important for students going into the field of education. I can honestly say that before attending FGCU I did not know much about the environment and what can happen if we continue to live the way we do. My science and technology class opened my eyes to the plethora of environmental issues we face. There are so many environmental issues that need to be addressed and I believe that is the duty of university education to make sure students know what lies ahead if we do not change our ways.

My Favorite Spot on Campus

I have attended Florida Gulf Coast University for all four years of my college experience. I have enjoyed the wildlife, the lakes, and the forests that cover a significant amount of the campus. I had to really think about this entry...I have not really thought about my favorite spot. After much thinking on the topic I decided that my favorite spot on campus is on the rec/intramural fields when the sun is setting. I have played intramural sports all four years of school and when I am out there and the sun is setting, the school creates a beautiful backdrop.

Since the sun is setting you can faintly see the lights on in the library. The trees in the background make a pretty scene, almost like a painting. I think what completes the scene though is the fountain in the lake that is in front of the library. Whenever I am on the fields playing or warming up for a game I always stop and pause to watch the sunset, it always gives me a peaceful calm to see the red, pink, purple, and blue colors setting right over one of the most beautiful parts of campus. Even when there are a lot of people on the fields, and there are football games going on in every direction, the sunset drowns everything out and makes it seems as if I am the only person on the field. The picture below is not the same angle from which you see the sunset from the intramural fields ( here you cannot see the fountain) but it is very similar.

Expectations for Class

I have heard a lot of things about this class....some good, and some bad. After taking issues in science and technology last year with Dr. Demers, I was somewhat excited to take the colloquium course. We discussed the environmental problems we face in great detail in that class...in a way preparing me for colloquium.

I hope to learn about the environmental problems we face and how we can prevent/fix them. I know there are simple tasks such as recycling, unplugging things not in use, and using recyclable grocery bags but I also know there is more and I am excited to learn about how I can make a difference. I expect to to engage in discussions about the environment that can enlighten and challenge opinions.

I am also looking forward to the field trips. I have heard horror stories of walking through the water and muck, but I feel that these field trips will allow me to better appreciate nature and the environment around me.

All in all I expect to learn how to live a sustainable life, and have a better understanding and appreciation for the environment. As I said before I thoroughly enjoyed the discussions in my science and tech course and I believe that colloquium will further my knowledge of the importance of protecting our environment.