Michael Guzmans ELT Three Semester Review

Guzzis ELT Three Semester Review

First and foremost, I would like to say that I am very proud and honored to be a part of the Earth, Life, and Time program. Over the past three semesters, The Earth, Life, and Time Program has opened my eyes to many things in the world around me that I would not have even considered, pondered, or explored if I had not been accepted into the program. Earth, Life, and Time. Moreover, I am very fond of the fact that Earth, Life, and Time emphasizes the importance of true science and the scientific methodthat is to say, how to identify and avoid the dreaded pseudo-sciences that exist today. Finally, I feel that Earth, Life, and Time has bettered me personally by making me a more critical thinker and teaching me how to find truth through science of the natural world.

One of the main reasons that the Earth, Life, and Time program has influenced me so much has been because of Dr. Holtz and Dr. Merck. Our scholars teachers add greatly to the Earth, Life, and Time experience. They are experts in their fields, and always know how to get their points across via their superior knowledge mixed with their never-ending humor. One particular example would be the lecture discussing the origins of disease. I enjoyed this lecture the most because it was very informative and interesting. A main point in this lecture is how the origin and evolution of diseases affect us. Without this information, we would not be able to understand how to develop vaccines and antibiotics without. During this lecture, we did a demonstration in which we all stood up, and sat down if we had ever used antibiotics or had surgery. This opened my eyes to how lucky we are to have modern science.

Another example is the family origin project from Spring, 2007. In this project, we had to find out where our modern family is from, and find out where our distant ancestors could have come from. I enjoyed this project because it was very eye opening to see where my ancestors were from hundreds of years in the past. When I refer to my ancestors, I usually only think they were from Central America. This project allowed me to trace my family history, and see how my family could have originated from South America, Spain, anywhere in the Roman Empire, and beyond! It was interesting as well to see that many of my fellow students relatives could have lived right next door to my ancestors!

One field trip that I thought to be exceptionally informative was the Fall 2007 trip to the Maryland Science Center. Here, we got to see how institutions such as the Science Center convey scientific information to young children. While observing the exhibits, we had to judge their accuracy, their effectiveness in conveying information, and their appeal to children. Its comforting to know that institution exist to help children to feed their hunger for knowledge and educate them at early ages to become critical thinkers. However, the part I liked most about the science center field trip was that it introduced me to the site where I will complete me practicum project. While on my field trip, I received a volunteer application and was able to get a position as a science demonstrator in the Terra-Link and Space-Link exhibits, which were my top two choices.

While enrolled in the Earth, Life, and Time program, I also was required to take certain supporting classes. One of my favorites has been Geology 100-110 from Fall 2006. In geology, we learned many of the same principles and concepts that were enforced in Scholars. These classes helped enforce how understanding the past is the key to understanding the present (and the future for that matter). We learned that through scientific observation, we can make certain assumptions about the earth that may not be so obvious as first glance. Also, I took Physics 117 during spring, 2007. This class introduced me to the idea that great thinkers of the past were initially normal students, like me, who had some audacious ideas, and tested them using the scientific method. Moreover, my favorites part of this class was the Lab because it showed me how thinkers of the past were able to test their hypothesis.

Another aspect of the Earth, Life, and Time program that aided me was living in Centreville Residence Hall. I lived in Centreville during my entire freshman year. This was excellent for me for many reasons. For one, many of my fellow ELT students were enrolled in similar classes as I. This was beneficial because we could easily arrange small study groups to study for Geology, or give each other aid for Scholars Projects. Also, living with students with similar intellect and interests made my living experience enjoyable and has allowed me to meet some of my best friend here in College Park.

All in all, I do not think that Scholars will directly affect my undergraduate or post undergraduate career (after all, I am studying Spanish and Sociology). But I do think it has changed me as a person. As stated before, Scholars has opened my eyes to the real world of science and urged me to question and examine the world. It has bettered my thinking skills which will stick with me forever.

Last modified: 10 December 2007

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Guzzis ELT Three Semester Review

Last modified: 10 December 2007

Guzzis ELT Three Semester Review