Final Presentation

 Viewing Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y9qojNzjE1RY79PSWBipu7mDlMYgtji9/view?usp=sharing 

Reflection Paper 

    Looking back on this semester, one of the first things we talked about in our video was why we

chose to take this class. For most of us, it was honestly just because it felt different from a

typical lecture-based course. We liked the idea of getting outside instead of sitting in a classroom

all the time. But over the semester, it turned into a lot more than that. We started to see how the

class connected literature to real experiences in nature, which made everything feel more

meaningful.


    Throughout the course, one idea that stood out to us was the feeling of being small in nature. At

first, that might sound like a negative thing, but it actually felt the opposite. Being outside made

us realize that we are just a small part of something much bigger, and that was kind of

grounding. It helped us step back from everything going on in our daily lives and just be present. Something else that I personally took from the course was being more mindful while in nature. I can go outside and take what I need from it, and I don't often sit on my phone anymore when I am outside because I have become more intentional with my time. 


    Our time at the Fort Worth Nature Center was one of the most impactful parts of the class for all of us. The work we did there felt real and impactful, especially compared to a typical assignment. It connected each of us to what we were learning and gave us an experience that we would not have gotten on our own. Being able to spend time outdoors while also contributing made us appreciate the environment more. It also helped us understand concepts like invasive species and conservation in a way that you really cannot get from just reading about it.


    Filming our final video on the Trinity Trail brought everything together. While we were there,

we talked to someone we met on the trail, who ended up being a TCU alum and a lawyer.

He was out walking with his son and talked about the importance of staying active and making

time to be outside. That moment added another perspective and showed us that these ideas go

beyond just our class.


    Looking back, the weekly blogs were also a big part of how our thinking developed. At first,

they felt like something we had to do, but over time, they became a way to reflect on our

experiences. We also used tools like the plant identification app (iNaturalist), watched the global warming

documentary, and spent time observing nature in different ways. All of these experiences built on

each other and helped us become more aware of our surroundings.


    Overall, this class gave us a completely different kind of learning experience. It was not just

about completing assignments, but about actually being present, observing, and reflecting.

Spending time outdoors, whether at the Nature Center or on the Trinity Trail, helped us slow

down and think differently. We are leaving this class with a greater appreciation for nature and a

better understanding of how small actions and awareness can make a difference. 

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