University Colloquium: Field Trip Reflection

The field trip that made the biggest impression on me was the CREW field trip. The field trip expanded my sense of place and confirmed it because it reminded me so much of Mexico. Certain areas that were green and full of life and some areas were dry and brown. These different areas reminded of my favorite parts of Mexico, which is my hometown Zimapan, Hidalgo and my uncle's hometown, Guadalcazar, San Luis Potosi. As I stepped on the property, I felt this rush through my body in which I felt safe, relaxed, and happy. A feeling in which I was in a completely different world, away from all technological devices, media, and negativity. As we walked through the trail, I was fascinated to learn about the environment such as the prairies, swamps, and cypress domes. Observing my surrounds I saw all the small characteristics that are not usually seen in the city. Looking at all of the snake holes, or the way each plant species adapted and showed its natural beauty that can be seen as soon as one takes a step back from that fast life that most individuals now live. The experience led to an understanding that life's beauty is simple and can be the most exotic. The simple life is seen as the environment itself as it can sustain itself without the assistance of humans. Meaning that it does not need the new technologies and modifications of environmental genetics for it to live. This impacted me in various ways for both the present and future. In regards with my present, this allowed me to confirm that my sense of place is being near the environment. It soothes me and comforts me by being surrounded by nature and all the living species around me. It has helped me open my eyes that we should preserve our environment because without it then we will make our life harder. For example, cellular respiration and photosynthesis work hand in hand. Without one, the other will not be able to function. Well if we are without the environment then we would not be able to survive or we would struggle to survive. This allowed me to act now to change certain ways of my life in order to save and preserve the environment. In regards with my future, it allows me be more open and teach the future generations the same things that I have been taught. Another addition is that whenever I feel stressed or living the "on the go" life I can go to these areas and take a step back and enjoy nature as it soothes and comforts me. There is no need of staying at five star hotels or a resort in order to feel relaxed. On the contrary with a simple run on a nature trail or watching the sunset on a vast land full of wildlife and the natural surrounds tops all of these luxury resorts. It just amazes because before this field trip I was trying to be someone I am not. Someone that was interested in brands, fine dinning, and having luxury items. When I stepped on these grounds, it was brought to my attention that I am not that type of girl. All of these luxury items have no meaning and they come and go. Unlike the simple natural things that can be cherished for years to come. The simplicity of life makes things less complicated and allowed me to fulfill the emptiness that I have been carrying for the last year. This brings a thought to mind that Goodall had mentioned in regards with the chimps. She has said that they had to thank the chimps because of them they were able to make the life changes in the villages. Well in my case, I would like to thank my mother's struggle, because without that I would have not transferred universities and I would have not taken University Colloquium. Without this class, I would not have found my sense of place and I would not have had the opportunity of me taking a step back and appreciating the simple life that I once lived.