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Final Essay

A Small Disturbance On a crisp weekday morning, I decided to head to the gym before beginning my typical eight-hour shift at work. I had made it almost routine that summer to wake up just as the sun rose and engage in a quick method of physical activity. It was the last week of summer before school picked up, and I wanted to soak up all the free time I could. As I opened my blinds that morning, I noticed the sky shine with a baby blue hue as the clouds were scattered across the unending canvas. The grass on my front lawn had been freshly mowed, and I could smell the sweet aroma as soon as I opened my front door. The morning brought about feelings of euphoria that could not be deterred. I walked toward my car and noticed a few squirrels scurrying around outside near the live oak tree in my front lawn. I began to admire the playfulness of these creatures. I watched the animals diligently, studying their mannerisms. Some might quickly dismiss the actions of squirrels, arguing th...
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Final Video Justification

Final Video Justification  When looking back on the class and trying to decide what our video should be about, we decided that it would be most effective to include the five takeaways from the class. These five takeaways include terms that were important in-class discussion, but also emphasize our interactions with classmates and nature. We included things we learned in the classroom, but also real-life experiences that added to the classroom such as the privilege of being taught by Dr. Williams, learning not to use the word “very”, and the fact that the Fort Worth Nature Center has alligators. When looking back, these experiences were just as important to the in-class learning to our own growth and development as environmentalists and writers. Furthermore, our group also decided to ask students on TCU’s campus a series of questions that connect with class concepts. The goal of this experiment was to assess the knowledge of students regarding environmental and literary issues,...
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Lost (NJ14)

Lost (NJ14) For my final nature journal, I wanted to do something a little bit different. Instead of having a predetermined location in mind, and writing about my experience at that spot, I decided to simply step out into nature and reflect on my journey of this semester from start to finish. After walking up bright and early this morning, I opened my front door and the sun's rays hit me like a sharp spotlight from the sky. I could not spot a single cloud. I did not have anywhere specific to go, but I began walking. I noticed a brilliantly red cardinal, perched peacefully on a tree branch above my head. I saw an ant colony, with thousands of ants carrying small pieces of leaves to bring into their underground homes. I witnessed a group of dandelions in my front lawn, dancing in the wind. Nature has an endless amount of breathe-taking aspects to it, and this morning I got to experience just a few. Before this class, I was constantly fixated on the end result. This could mean...
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A Simple Leaf (NJ13)

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A Simple Leaf (NJ13)  While out on an evening stroll last night, I noticed a leaf barely hanging onto a branch. Usually, I do not notice small details like this during my everyday activities. But for some reason, this particular leaf caught my eye.  The sunset was something artists write lyrics about, contrasting with the tiny leaf and the vast blue sky. Just then, I noticed something quite alarming. This leaf was the last leaf left to fall from the tree. Leaves fall every day, getting lost in the wind, but this leaf remained. Clinging to the branch, hoping that a big gust of wind does not come by and carry it onto its next journey. I admired the dedication of this leaf, desperately holding onto any remains of the warmer seasons. As soon as I took my eyes off the leaf, I noticed the wind start to pick-up. I shielded the leaf with my body, praying that this would not be the end of its ride. Thankfully, the leaf held strong. I commended myself for acting so valiantly in...
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The Changing Seasons (NJ12)

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The Changing Seasons (NJ12)  As the season officially nears winter, not only does the weather change but so do people. Despite the cold weather, Christmas time usually makes everyone feel slightly more cheerful. To get into the Christmas spirit this year, I decided to attend the annual TCU Christmas tree lighting held in the commons. I had gone each of the last two years, and I wanted to make it a tradition to go every year of my college career. When I arrived at the commons, my eyes immediately fixated on the massive tree presented in front of me. The magnificent green color of the tree combined with the intricate decorations made the tree truly spectacular. Not to mention, the sheer size of it amazed me, as I have never seen a Christmas tree so large since getting to TCU during my freshman year. When it was time to light the tree, the student body started a countdown. As soon as the countdown hit one, the Christmas lights flickered on, and fireworks exploded in the backgrou...
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Fishing Trip (NJ11)

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Fishing Trip (NJ11) This morning, I decided to wake up before the sun and venture out to a nearby lake for an early fishing trip. The stress of finals week had slowly begun to creep up on me, and I thought it would be in my best interest to relieve some of that stress before studying. I have always found fishing to be extremely calming, especially when it is just you, and the outdoors. The idea of patiently waiting for an intrigued fish to nibble on your line has always helped me deal with the tension of everyday life, and I suspected that this time would be no different.  As soon as I got there, I removed my fishing rod from my car, bait my hook, and cast my line in the water. The water rippled in near-perfect circles each time my hook dropped into the small lake. A few birds flew above me in v-formation, drawing my attention to the sky. I admired the beauty of the sky, the vast infinite blue. Times like these are why I appreciate the simplicity of fishing. Not only is t...
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The Sky over Fort Worth (NJ10)

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The Sky over Fort Worth (NJ10) A few weeks ago, the class took a small jaunt to the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. At the museum, we marveled at a wide variety of oil on canvas style paintings. Although the paintings were impressive, to say the least, something far more vast drew my attention that day. Just as I stepped foot outside of the museum, the immense sky draped behind the downtown Fort Worth skyline astonished me. Thousands of times I have stood outside and admired the beauty of the sky or sunset but for some reason, this particular picture caught me off guard.  The sky resembled a flawless blue canvas with clouds that had a rippling effect, along with a hint of orange hue creeping its way above the buildings. This effect, combined with an American flag standing tall in the foreground helped create a pronounced balance in the picture. The colossal image made me feel minuscule at that moment as if I was only a small piece in a large puzzle. I gazed upon the cl...
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