Now What!?

 It's kind of surreal to think that I am officially at the end of my bachelor's degree. My short-term professional goals will be to obtain the necessary licenses and certifications that most people look for in the environmental science field. By acquiring these certifications, it can allow me to be more competitive in the field. As far as long-term career goals, I would eventually like to work for the government. Preferably in a soil science position. Working in soil science can do a lot for any community. As our existence depends on agriculture and the health of resources. 

There are many societal changes I wish to see happen at this moment: environmental justice, racial justice, climate change progress, and pollution mitigation. Every single one of these changes will directly apply to today and 20 years into the future. One thing I can do to address these challenges would be to educate people on the environment. Or have constructive and meaningful conversations with others. In my opinion, the best way to approach these issues is to always be aware that they are there and happening. Volunteering is something I want to do shortly to help with these problems we face as a society. 

One thing that makes me optimistic in my immediate future is finding a place of my own to live. It may seem a little silly; however, having our own sacred space in the world is very important. Especially when you long for solitude and quiet at the end of a long day. Focusing on this is very motivating for me to work hard. Being optimistic makes allows you to remain hopeful and positive even if times are grim. 

Environmental Science & Gardening Talk

Several years ago, before I started delving into my environmental science studies, I knew quite a bit about the field. Once I started concentrating on the relationships mankind has with nature, it has changed my perspective on how we live. I was shocked to learn how ubiquitous plastics are in our environment. How microplastics are consuming our oceans, even making their way to Antarctica. I still believe learning about plastics in our environment is an advanced topic. Especially when you consider how much researchers are still piecing together on the matter. I've learned the most about this topic by taking environmental chemistry. 

One thing I would like to learn over the next three years is mastering the art of gardening. I've been gardening for many years now and consider it to be my zen time. I think it's important to connect with our food and the work required to make it grow. Even if the gardening is on a small scale. To enhance my gardening skills, I want to be able to signup for a master gardener course. These courses give you knowledge about what you can grow in a certain zone, eco-friendly ways to deliver nutrients to your gardens, and the appropriate time to plant certain food crops. 

Homage to a Gem!

Growing up, life was pretty rough for me as a teen. I was unfortunately split from my family in my freshman year of high school and lived in a group home. Times were rough and often times quite bleak. I typically felt alone and helpless. At my high school, there was a guidance counselor named John. He remembered me because he was my brother's counselor when he was in juvenile detention. I had a few interactions with him on those family day visits with my brother. When he initially reached out to me at school, I brushed him off, thinking no one in life cared. But I'm glad to say he was very persistent. He saw something in me that I never saw in myself. That I was a kid with potential. I just wasn't nurtured mentally and emotionally. I finally relented and opened up to him. He and his wife eventually went through all of the courses to be my mentor. They took me into their family. We celebrated holidays, birthdays, and weekends together. Throughout the years, he stuck by me and constantly urged me to get an education. Which is what I did....eventually. I'm glad that he remains a solid figure in my life and is a true inspiration to me. I am happy to say that after 25 years of being his mentee, he walked me down the aisle in 2019 when I got married. Some people in life are true gems to hold onto; John is definitely one of them. 

If I could give my younger self any advice, it would be this: Never let anyone tell you what your value is as a person! We all have the potential to contribute greatness and beauty to the world. Everyone has their own journeys to travel and should not be diminished or underappreciated because of it. How boring would the world be if we were all the same? Keep dreaming and thriving!

Finally!

I don't know about anyone else, but this semester has been the most challenging so far. I think there are several factors at play here. A few to note: this is my senior year, social distancing, online learning, and the overall atmosphere of the year thus far. However, looking towards the bright side of things, no matter the difficulties I was presented with, I decided to take them head-on without looking back.

I'm looking forward to the winter break and coming back in the spring to my final semester. The finish line is near! Enjoy your break, relax, eat, sleep, and recharge! Be well and stay safe, everyone.

                                       

Respond to Change

 If 2020 has taught us anything, it's that life will throw us some curveballs from time to time. We have given "living in a digital age" a whole new meaning as we socialize and attend classes via the web. Living in this new world and trying to navigate our way through the changes has been extremely challenging. But if you've made it this far to finals week, give yourself a massive pat on the back!  The finish line is near! Through our struggles, we can build resilience and character. With that, I'll leave you with a quote..."It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change." -Charles Darwin

Eco Friendly Living

As an environmental science major, it's hard to ignore all of the stress we put on our ecosystems with waste. Recently, I have genuinely started to focus on the before and after life of products I purchase. I started asking myself questions. For example: Where do these materials come from? How are they distributed? How is the waste processed? How does this impact the environment? Many systems are involved in obtaining goods for our use and it's easy to forget that. One of my new long term goals is to research products before I purchase them. The second is to try and steer clear of plastics (which honestly seems next to impossible).The change may appear to be insignificant but I feel as though the small changes I make in reducing my carbon footprint and using less plastic will leave the world a little less polluted. So onward I go to continue my (almost) zero waste mission! 

                                                           

Silver Lining

 We are well underway into a new semester...online. I've heard a lot of mixed reviews on how students feel about this transition. I can relate to both sides of it. Although school seems much more engaging by going to class in person, seeing friends, and having study groups, there are some positive takeaways from attending online. The first is saving money on gas! Not a cheap commodity. Another benefit is minimizing the wear and tear on my vehicle. There are a few other things I've been able to enjoy during this transitionary phase as well. I've been able to have the time to take daily walks, focus more on my assignments, and read leisurely. There is always a silver lining. So I will remain hopeful.