The Journey Has Just Begun

Stepping into Colloquium, I was prepared for the uninteresting aspect of this mandatory class. The warnings were given and I was ready to endure whatever was about to be presented to me. Contrary to my expectations, I was intrigued by the nature of the class and the incredible stories that lie within my environment. I found that the explanation of why this class is given was a great way for me to get some perspective about Southwest Florida and FGCU.



I have always had a great appreciation for nature, but due to my busy lifestyle I lost a lot of that. Colloquium rebirthed in me the excitement nature holds and the incredible ways I can learn from it. Every field trip kept me wanting more. They were my way of getting back in touch with my world this semester and the increased exposure to the natural world were quiet moments for me to just stop and relax. I enjoyed every minutes of it.

The readings were very interesting, a little hard to grasp sometimes, but overall encouraging material. I began to see the importance of this class in regard to my major, Special Education. I knew that natural exposure was healthy for children, but I did not grasp the major impact this has on a child's life. It helped me realize some of the things I must strive to do as a teacher. No child should go without any exposure to the beauty of the world they live in. They need to be outside, completely submerged with green leafy plants, and the vibrant colors of the natural world. No matter a child's struggle, they need natural experiences to enhance their learning and grant them the opportunity I had to refresh my mind and have a greater connection with my environment.

Even though the service learning hours were very difficult for me to incorporate into my schedule, I actually enjoyed the work I did. I got me down and dirty with the earth, and I feel like I had the opportunity to make a small difference in our environment. I was able to meet some awesome people and get some incredible pictures everywhere I went. My eyes were opened.

The review before the quizzes was definitely helpful for the field trips, if i missed anything, I wouldn't miss out. Having to read that book and handle everything else in my semester was very difficult for me. It was interesting once the book was brought to life in downtown, but before that I had a hard time paying attention to the story.


Colloquium was an awesome experience, there was not one moment I regret.



"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves." John Muir

Word Count: 486

Species of the Floridian life

It is the beauty of our Floridian species that make up the desire to be in our irresistible environment. I knew such plant life existed, but did not realize the complexity of the world around me and the hidden majesty that awaited my discovery.

Slash Pines are tall with few branches. These are multiplied through heat burning the pine cones until their seeds are expelled. 

Bald Cypress are found within swampy areas. These have incredible root systems which come out of the water as knees. The wood is extremely durable and resistant to rotting. Back in history this tree was prized for its incredible wood. Now there are not many of these trees left and must be protected within their existing ecosystem like at Corkscrew. 

Strangler Fig is a plant that can strangle the life out of trees, but lives in harmony with Bald Cypress trees.

Cabbage Palms are the state tree of Florida. They have boots which provide a shelter for numerous living creatures. Their fronds which look like the palm of a hand have been used to create the roofs of Chickee huts during Florida's early years. 

Royal Palms are majestic trees which resemble cement. They fascinate me every time I see them. They are originally from Cuba and were brought to Florida by Mina Edison. They line McGregor Boulevard in Downtown Fort Myers. They are all around the same height and have grown at a similar rate. This consistency with Royal Palms is unheard of.

I found the wild sun flowers to be so elegant. The fact that we were able to visit when they are in bloom was a wonderful opportunity. 

There were numerous animals I got the opportunity to hear more than I saw. The woodpecker was fascinating to hear as we stood in silence amidst the nature walk. Barred owls and frogs made their appearance in the distance and were a pleasure to have shared the afternoon with in the same sanctuary.

Word Count: 328

Sanctuary of the Corkscrew Swamp

This location was one I had never heard of. I was astonished by the ecosystems that regulate in their natural ways. As I stepped foot onto the boardwalk my eyes captured the beauty that surrounded me; I was breathless. I longed to be secluded from the stress of a technologically advanced world. This field trip enabled me to better increase my sense of place in my environment.

The boardwalk led us to a timeline of history that revealed the difficulties the natural world endured. Birds were killed for their stylish feathers and rare trees were being used for producing materials. Guards were positioned to keep the area safe and free of trespassers. This job was fatal for numerous men. 

We made our way into each separate ecosystem: The Pine Flatwoods,Cypress swamp, and Oak Hammock. Each section contributes a part to the harmony of the sanctuary. It becomes gradually wetter and drier in certain areas and fluctuates as water is filtered through the swamp. This not only encourages plant life, but certain animals would be unable to survive if this water flow was inhibited.

Pine Flatwoods are characterized by their slash pines and dry ground. This area needs to be burned every few years to encourage the Pine’s seeds to explode and to remove unnecessary brush that inhibits any species from multiplying. We had the opportunity to see a habitat that had been properly burned and a habitat that was completely overgrown.

Bald Cypress trees were an incredible sight to see. This area houses some of the last in existence. They have the ability to live for long periods of time and grow very large. Within this ecosystem, smaller trees reside outside of the habitat due to their experiences with the elements of nature.

The Oak hammock houses numerous trees such as Live Oak, Sabal Palms,and wild coffee. This area is characterized by its high, sandy, leafy ground.   

Wild Florida Sunflowers playing in the sun.

Word Count 319

ECHO Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization

Reading their description for the first time does not do justice to the incredible way these people are assisting poverty across the world. I feel everyone should experience what their facilities have to offer; it will change your perspective of sustainability forever.

Sustainability is endurance that does not cease. This is ECHO's entire focus for the people they are assisting around the world. Providing appropriate technology by using what people have to make what they need. How does this work? Innovation at its best: Groups of workers and volunteers team together to create new ways for poverty stricken people to utilize their existing tools in an efficient manner. Whether it is a better way for them to take care of their livestock, farm their crops, use their vegetation, or cook their meals.

In third world countries, the people use cook stoves that produce a smoke that is equivalent to smoking two and a half packs of cigarettes per day. Echo took on the challenge to solve this problem through innovative ways to reduce smoke through the use of sticks and other substances or continuing the cooking process through the fireless cooker.                                             

Lack of nutrients in a person’s diet is the reason poverty stricken people are malnutritioned. There are very few ways they are able to stay healthy. I was intrigued beyond belief that there was a miracle plant known as the Moringa tree that trumps every other vegetable I have ever eaten. Not only does it contain ridiculous amounts of nutrients, but it has the ability to purify water. All you do is grind up the seed of the tree and place the powder in a water bottle filled with undrinkable water. You shake and let sit for a few hours. I was shocked to see what this plant could do. The bacterial remains of the sludgy water were gone; the water was completely clear. Most of the people around the world had this tree growing in their backyards; they unknowingly housed the most incredible plant that ever lived. These people need to be educated.

These are just a few examples of the incredible ways ECHO has provided innovation for the starving people of  our world. What a blessing to see first hand their success and desire to continue their quest as they educate people around the world of miracle plants and efficient technology. This is how our world could solve world hunger. The future for millions of people could be changed forever; lives could be lived to their fullest. 

Word Count: 411

Blue sky painted with strokes of white

Nestled within a valley of the upstate New York Mountains, my childhood began. The opportunities for grand adventures and experiences within my environment were endless. It was a small town; we knew of everyone that surrounded us in our neighborhood. As a community I remember the great care that was taken in preserving the nature beauty of our area: Protecting the creek, saving the aging trees, and allowing nature to make decisions about major land changes.

The beauty of the nature we lived among was of something out of a storybook. Every morning began with the formation of dew droplets upon every blade of grass along with the smell of cool, damp soil in the air. Our backyard creek could be heard in the distance as the fresh water rapids crashed on every rock stationed in its way. Peering through the opening of the trees above me was the wonderful gift of the sky. The clouds always seemed to float like cotton with the winds and gently paint the blue sky with strokes of white. I would lay for hours in awe of the majestic trees that would wave in the backdrop of our cloudy skies.

Each season brought its own special voyages, smells, and beauty. Every year autumn would unexpectedly swoop in and smother summer; painting each green leaf with colors that would glow shades of warmth in the sun. Winter quickly blew in its brisk temperature and rolled out its thick, white blankets of snow. Spring would poke its head through the thick of the winter-chilled snow banks with a budding tulip—one of the most incredible experiences to witness. It reminded me that there is hope for life amidst the barren, frigid, lifeless environment that surrounded us.   

I feel blessed beyond belief to have been given the opportunity to experience these moments as a child. I will never forget what an impact my environment had on my life during those years.   

"Teaching children about the natural world should be seen as one of the most important events in their lives." Thomas Berry

Word Count: 345