Incoming Reflection

My initial expectations have come from what I have heard about Colloquium from other students. The usual descriptions include lots of field trips and a ton of writing. So I guess I expect to go on field trips and do a lot of journaling. Judging from our syllabus, they were right. It makes sense to journal after a field trip because there is no point in exploring nature if you do not reflect back on your experiences.

I live on a residential street with a lot of trees. Growing up my experiences with nature was just climbing trees and playing in the yard. I have not done very much traveling but I have been to my grandparents deer hunting camp in Mississippi a few times. My boyfriend bought a kayak a few months ago and it was the most amazing purchase. We have been to Clam Pass, Wiggins Pass, and the Estero River in Koreshan State Park several times. It is so relaxing being on the water and just looking at all the trees and animals. We see birds mostly and a few weeks ago we followed a dolphin around (they are very fast). Taking out the kayak has been my best experiences with nature. The picture was taken while kayaking in Koreshan State Park.
I do not really have any anxieties about this class. I am excited about the field trips and I am looking forward to learning more about nature. My personal goal for this class is to get in touch more with Southwest Florida nature. I have lived in Naples my whole life but unfortunately I do not know a lot about the natural surroundings. I want to know the types of trees that are around here and when I see a bird I want to know what kind it is. I do not think that this class adds to my major all that much since I am a psychology major but it does relate a little to one of my minors. One of my minors is Community Planning and Development. If I decide to go into a job in that field in Southwest Florida then it would be beneficial to know about the surroundings. I hope this class helps to deepen my appreciation for nature.