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. 

Almost to the Finish Line!

As we are nearing the end of the semester, there is always stress and deadlines. But if you've made it this far and you're still holding on, give yourself a pat on the back! Our world was sent into chaos overnight. Thrown into a world of online classes, the absence of study groups, and no research. Our country is currently struggling, we have the highest unemployment rates since the Great Depression. Some of us are battling depression that comes with distance, food insecurities, and job loss. Again, if you are still hanging on, keep going! One day we will look back and realize we are more resilient than we ever thought possible.

Be Well!

In the wake of COVID-19 and the reality of our new situation, I thought it would be important to discuss it. Not so much about the virus itself, but how these challenging times can mold our future for the better. I hope this experience teaches us to slow down and concentrate more on our friends and families. Help people in need. May it teach us more patience and become a little more resourceful. We have lived in a quick-paced, fast-food life for so long, it is time we come back to our roots. Remembering to breathe, take long walks, and forge more meaningful relationships. My wish is for you and all of your families to remain calm, healthy, and well. Please take care!

Smart Enough?

I felt the need to talk about being 'smart enough'. It sounds crazy, but since I had returned to school several years ago, I get many comments from people. Such as "Wow! Good for you, but I'm not smart enough". It got me thinking. Especially since I saw my 17-year-old niece last week and tried to convince her that college would be an excellent idea for her, she happened to say the same thing! I told her being smart isn't because you were born that way or not (except for some that are born geniuses). I told her it has to do with applying yourself and making a conscious effort to become educated. In case anyone out there ever feels this way, remember people get to where they are because they've applied themselves, which means that we all have the same ability to do the same. Never doubt yourself and keep learning and growing!

The Daunting Tasks...

As we start off with another semester ahead, the list of to dos are long and the tasks seem impossible to overcome. One thing I've learned through it all is we always SURVIVE! Somehow I land on my feet. Instead of starting this semester out full of stress and worry, I decided to start out with the knowing evertything will fall into place as it usually does. Also knowing that if I fail it's an experience or a lesson to be learned. So I'll leave you with a quote, and remember one step at at time.

"You don't have to see the whole staircase, you just have to take the first step."-MLK