Journal #7

 My experience with the University Colloquium class has definitely been a memorable one. The main reason I say that is because I haven't been on a school field trip since grade school. I don't think I will ever forget bus rides to nature centers, trail walks, and touring downtown Ft.Myers, all for a college course. This class has opened my eyes to many real life environmental issues that I hadn't been exposed to previously. I've learned so much in the past few months, I had no idea it could be this fun. I guess I just expected a required class to be difficult and boring. Being able to learn the material through field trips, in class activities/videos, and lectures made the course so much more enjoyable. This course has taught me about the worldly issues our planet faces such as the peak oil crisis and global warming, and what the future will be like, scary as it may be. I've learned ways of how to live a more sustainable life, whether it be to converting to solar panels, or using a compost recycling system. I have also become more aware of how lucky we are in the United States, in comparison to other countries. How we are fortunate enough to have food to eat whether we buy it from our grocery store or grow it ourselves. Other countries aren't as fortunate. Their weather conditions and poverty limit their ability to grow their crops. All in all, University Colloquium has been a positive pleasant experience for me this semester. I would say the most fun took place on the field trips and the most challenging part was the research essay. But for there to only be one paper due out of the entire semester, I'd say that is PRETTY GOOD!