Throughout this past academic year, I have learned a lot about the world around me, as well as about myself as a person. I think that this year has been very instrumental in my development as a person, and in my transition into the adult world. My time as an Environment and Natural Resource Scholar has contributed greatly to my first-year experience, and overall growth as a student.
One thing that I learned through being a part of ENR is about different issues about the environment, and the impact of humans on our ecosystems. In class we watched a really great documentary called “Chasing Coral” which follows some scientists trying to capture the bleaching of coral on camera. I was deeply moved by this video, as I had never really known that much about coral bleaching, nor the effects that it has on the environment around it. With this knowledge alone, I already feel more motivated to make personal life changes, as well as continue to advocate for bigger federal changes on environmental action. This example is just one of many ways that ENR has reminded me of the importance of conservation.
Outside of the classroom, I have been reminded of the importance of limiting disposable consumption and litter. Through a river clean-up trip, and an outing to help clean up litter at the Scioto Audubon, I was able to encounter the waste buildup that is evident all over the city, first-hand. It is truly surprising how much trash and waste ends up in wildlife, and I found these experiences incredibly valuable in learning the true impact of everyday actions such as choosing to use items that come in disposable plastic packaging.
Something that I learned about myself this year has been that I need to cut myself more slack and take more time to spend with friends, doing activities that are not school related. I think that I typically get into an academic mindset where I can’t relax until I have all of the things on my to-do list finished. This can get to be unmanageable because, as I’ve learned in college, sometimes the to-do list never “ends”. After coming to terms with this fact, I have grown to be easier on myself, allowing for more study breaks, and opportunities to hang out with my roommates and friends, just spending time together, or doing something for the community through ENR.
My favorite memory from this past year is probably the camping trip that ENR went on in the fall. Through the trip I got to know more people in ENR a lot better, as well as get to have a whole weekend just enjoying the outdoors instead of worrying about schoolwork. Additionally, I had never been camping before the trip, so it was really exciting for me.
Next year, I am looking forward to having the knowledge and experience from this first year of college. I hope that I will take what I’ve learned and be better at giving myself breaks from academics, and at managing stress. Also, I am excited to not be so nervous about “the unknown” of college, as I already have one year under my belt.