As a child I was a bit of a tom boy. I loved to climb trees, swim in ditches, wander through the woods and I never thought anything about nature. It was my playground. I always had a fear of snakes but I wasn’t so afraid I wouldn’t venture out into the unknown. That for me, was many years ago. My idea of being outdoors now is lying by a pool or on a beach taking in some sun or a picnic at a park. If I venture out in the water and I keep feeling things move around me, I get out!
At this point I would have to say that if I have a relationship with the natural world; it is because I have an 8 year old son whose curiosity has motivated me to explore it. We do know about recycling and we both try to be respectful of our water use and use of electricity. We also pick up litter as we go and do not throw trash on the ground. My son and I have developed a love for the Manatee's and are saddened by their slow depletion that is caused by careless boaters since our move to Florida.
I got in a bit of a panic when I learned we would be romping through the swamp. Since I will not walk through the reptile part of a pet store and have taken plenty of pictures of alligators right here on the campus we would be walking in the same swamps. Yes, I had some serious anxieties and reservations about that part of the class.
My personal goals for this class started out to be to pass it. I guess most of us have this fact in common. Now that I have been in it for a few weeks I can see how the knowledge I get from it can be advantageous for me to know. I can relate my place and my responsibilities to promote and protect the environment around me and how it applies to me. I am excited to get to share this part of what I learn with my son so that he will grow up with some measure of respect and a desire to protect it also.
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