Entry 1

As a student at FGCU, I had already heard of the required class called colloquium. I would consider myself in tune with nature, but definitely hold some reservations towards the class. I am a realist, and understand the complex ways fossil fuels have embedded themselves into our society. I do not believe we are the sole cause of global warming, and I do not believe it threatens us as eminently as some may believe.

You ask for me to describe a time when I explored wilderness. My entire life since I was about six my immediate family and I went on vacation to North Carolina. We would go the thanksgiving week to stay with my aunt and uncle in a small cabin in the Smokey Mountains. At this young and innocent age, I was able to run through the woods in a beautiful and imaginative world. My aunt and uncle owned a black labradore, whos name was Jesse. Her and I ran through the woods for hours. Sometimes we would sit and I cut branches with my pocket knife. I climbed trees, howled at the sky, chased squirrels. I climbed mountains, and one time rolled down after I reached the top. I got bit by bugs, snagged by prickly plants.

And as I grew older, each year I found myself in the woods less. I would stay inside more and watch television, or have long talks with the family. I would sit on the computer, or even on the porch. Now I wonder, is that maturity, or a loss of appreciation towards nature.

I realize the importance nature has played on my life and my character. I hope it is here for my children and my childrens children. But I believe there must be a realistic approach when facing the challenge of our energy and environmental crises.

Because of the type of personality I have, I feel no anxiety or reservations towards this class. I am avid about my studies, so my goals are to learn what I can and recieve an A grade for the class. This class may renew my appreciation towards nature and push me to be more sustainable. Just the idea of having a class dedicating me to thinking about these problems we face as a human race is obviously positive. The only way to fix a problem is to be educated about it. I enjoy feild trips, hikes, and learning outside. Can't wait :D