Nature Savvy

“We are obliged, therefore, to spread the news, painful and bitter though it may be for some to hear, that all living things on earth are kindred” – Edward Abbey             This is my last blog post, and I wanted to use it to reflect on this quote and relate it to a recent encounter at TCU. The last group to present concluded with this quote, and hearing it once more was such a great reminder of the connectedness we find in nature, a connectedness that we are a part of. How differently everyone would treat the world if we all understood how deeply intertwined we all are, from the sky-high mountains to the trees I used to walk by everyday in the commons! We hold a place in the connection, and therefore we hold great responsibility.             I have a new respect for the nature around me and its marvelous perseverance despite human’s failure in the connection. Nature agains...

         One of my favorite movies as a kid was "Confessions of a Shopaholic," which may explain my love of shopping.  I am a firm believer in retail therapy. I have fond childhood memories of going shopping with my mom, and this is still something we love to do. I am not necessarily obsessed with collecting things for myself. I love stepping inside boutiques, exploring stores, seeing the latest trends, and finding nice gifts for others. I enjoy shopping with friends, as I believe it is a fun thing to do together. That is why I am surprised that when I visited Bainbridge Island, an island known for great shopping in the cutest stores, I was not interested in going from store to store. I wanted to explore nature.            Bainbridge Island is a small island accessible by ferry from Seattle. The island is surrounded by the Puget Sound, and it is filled with glorious nature. Before this class, I likely would have spent the ent...

We had a wonderful time putting together this project! Check out our video at the following link: https://youtu.be/6ke6R2qRPtY Rachel Brenk, Thien Ly Nguyen, Savanna Simmank, and Rachel Baniewicz Dr. Williams Treks and Texts 02 December 2022 Final Video Presentation       When choosing how to structure our video and what style to do it in, we decided to keep it simplistic and intimate. We value the thoughtful, deep discussions we had in class, and we wanted to emulate that in our video. To make our answers as heartfelt and unscripted as possible, we wrote down questions and had each other draw them on the spot. Having a question and answer format for our video allowed us to recall the memories made and insights gained from our class readings and discussions. The background music in our video features “Big Yellow Taxi” – a song we discussed in one of our early classes – which we believe perfectly encapsulates the meaning found throughout the class.  After fi...

               I will forever look back fondly at my time volunteering at the Fort Worth Nature Center. Dr. Williams talked about how we could put that work on our resume – it is work that I am proud of! I have a new appreciation for people who work in roles dedicated to protecting nature while helping others enjoy it, as it is no easy task. There was one task I particularly loved, and that was putting up poles to serve as posts as part of the new viewing deck for the bison.             When I say the process was a workout, that is no exaggeration. First, we had to dig holes for where the giant poles would go. We kept digging and digging until finally it was the proper depth. We then had to carry bags of concrete. I had no idea a bag that small could weigh so much! We then had to get water to mix in with the concrete. Someone would then get the pole in the right placement –...

I recently went on a bike ride along the Trinity. I wanted to be intentional about paying attention to the nature surrounding me instead of merely pedaling by. I wanted to stop, kick down my kickstand, and admire the beauty in Fort Worth. You’ve read Thoreau’s Walking . I introduce to you: Biking .   I wish to speak a word for Nature, for marvelous perseverance in a world that fails to understand the beauty in the intricacies. To regard one’s intricacies and feelings as complex as the world and ecosystems that surround us. To not merely blow by the Nature beautifully presenting itself only to feel the slight breeze on our necks, but to understand the creation as we pass by. I aim to make a statement as extreme as Thoreau’s.   I have only a few friends who understand the art of biking …   Pedaling, not akin to exercise, but to move through the wilderness. Every bike ride is an expression of freedom, a way to take our own two feet a bit further.   Whe...

               As mentioned in a previous blog, I had the opportunity to spend fall break in Seattle with my honors business program. When choosing flights, my friend Haley and I decided to head back to Texas a bit later the last day so we could explore more of the Seattle area. Most of our time spent with our program was in the heart of Seattle amid the hustle and bustle. We pondered how we would spend our last day and decided it would be best spent among the beautiful nature Washington has to offer. We asked some friends living in Seattle where we should go, and the resounding answer was Discovery Park. Haley and I woke up early, grabbed some coffee, and headed on our way to what would be one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.             Discovery Park is a gorgeous park hosting over 500 acres of flora and fauna. The edge of the park overlooks the Puget Soun...