17 Goodbye Treks & Texts!!: A Reflection Of All My Adventures This Semester

 

For my final blog post of the semester, I wanted to take the time to reflect on my journey and all that I have experienced and learned. As a film major, I like to communicate my ideas and love to be creative through video. I put together this short, minute-long clip that includes snapshots of all of the places I visited, blogged about, and immersed myself in this semester. From my first day on the Trinity, to the Botanic Gardens, California, and everywhere inbetween, I believe this video shows just how many amazing experiences this class has led me to have this semester. I am so glad I was able to capture all of these amazing moments, rewatch them, and share them with you all. 

Watching this video also makes me super appreciative for many reasons. First, during this crazy time in the world living through a pandemic, nothing is certain. We were not even sure that we would be out of lockdown and back at TCU this semester, let alone having in person classes. This by itself is great, however, watching this video makes me realize just how many other things I got to do this Fall. I got to spend so much time outside, hiking, kayaking, exploring, and having so many new experiences this year. I am aware that not everyone was so fortunate, so for that I am super grateful!!

Along with all of these amazing opportunities, I am also grateful that I got to spend them with friends and family. While I went on some of these adventures alone, many I got to share with those I am closest with. This class allowed me to get my friends involved and out in nature with me, whether it be walking the Trinity together, kayaking, or just spending time on our porch. My trip to California this semester was also made so much better, being that I got to spend it with my family. With both my sister and I going to college out-of-state, it can be hard to see each other during the semester. Being able to take a few days with my parents and sister, out in such a beautiful place, was therefore so special. I am also grateful to have a family who loves being active and getting outside as much as I do, which makes vacations fun for us all.

Moving onto some things I have learned from Treks & Texts as a class specifically, one thing I discovered is I actually like environmental and nature writing! Previous to this course, I had never interacted with materials like the ones we read throughout this semester and found myself presently surprised when I enjoyed our readings so much. I often find it hard to get into most of the material I am assigned for classes, however, I was always excited to sit down with my Nature Writing book and read our assigned selections each week. I found them pleasant, enjoyable, relaxing, and eye-opening. My favorite author was definitely Edward Abbey and I think I will even continue to explore his work and order one of his books. 

Another thing I learned from this class was the importance of protecting nature, both for ourselves and for future generations. I believe that all of the authors we have read have proven this need to us in different ways and with different focuses. Whether it be to benefit our planet, our health, our ecosystems, or our overall environment, protecting the Earth is essential. Watching the Before The Flood documentary also taught me a lot on the subject of conservation and showed the small ways that we can all help this cause. Although I had already implemented some of these strategies prior to the course, my desire to continue doing these things has risen immensely. I have also been able to share what I have learned with others, spending the word and getting more people involved. 

This class also proved to me just how important nature is to my health. During certain times this semester, I struggled to make time to workout, get outside, and step away from my schoolwork. As my classes got busier and busier I had less and less free time to take care of my personal well-being and make that a priority. This class, however, by giving us nature observation assignments and inspiring me with our materials, gave me an incentive and reason to get out of the house and into the fresh air. I am so grateful for this opportunity because it truly helped me more than I can explain. After ending class each Wednesday afternoon, I felt relaxed from our discussions and eager to step outside. Wednesdays became my favorite day of the school week and always left me recharged to make it to the weekend strong.

Finally, Treks & Texts reignited my passion for nature and my desire to see the world. Traveling has always been one of my biggest hobbies but now more than ever I wish to explore new places and see new things. After all that I have learned from this course, I cannot wait until I have the opportunity to travel once again. Now, I feel that rather than being a tourist in these destinations, I will be more immersed and appreciative of everything I see and experience. 

Thank you Treks & Texts for a great semester! Until the hiking boots come out of the closet again... I am signing off :)