Throughout my time at SGC, I have had the opportunity to learn about numerous scientific phenomena and technology that I can apply outside of class, including towards my major courses. This has helped further my understanding of the courses I am taking while helping me navigate the world through a more critical and observant eye.
Recently, I came across an article concerning climate change increasing human to wildlife contact. This article intrigued me and I wanted to go to the scientific paper the article discussed to learn more about the observed phenomenon from the researcher’s perspective. CPSGC taught me how to look at information with a critical eye, deciphering if the information is valid or not. Upon reading through the data and methods of the article, I thought the study’s design was done wonderfully and helped me better understand how climate scientists study our surrounding environment. Furthermore, I went back to the article to compare the study’s findings to the findings that the article presented and emphasized. I found that the article coherently summarized the paper without cutting out important details, and thought this important for accurately describing the impacts of climate change. Without CPSGC, I wouldn’t have the experience to examine the paper as critically as I did and better understand the scientist’s reasoning behind the study.
Furthermore, many of the topics we discussed in class have helped me choose a major at UMD. In particular, discussing agriculture has given me a sense of what I would like to do in the future. I want to combine my interests in veterinary medicine with agriculture and animal production. Currently, I am a combined agriculture and veterinary medicine major which fits this interest perfectly. The main discussions from the lecture that persuaded me were the lectures surrounding technology in agriculture. For instance, our discussions surrounding solar panels or alternative and more sustainable methods of farming.
SGC supporting courses, such as Chem 131 and 231, additionally helped me in my other courses. For instance, in Chem 131, we explored different types of chemical bonds and experiments, which has helped me gain a better understanding of different experiments done in research labs. For instance, when discussing pH chemistry in my anatomy course, I applied the knowledge I learned in organic chemistry about buffer systems to better understand these processes. Additionally, in my organismal biology course, we studied the foundation of neuron ion channels. The chemistry knowledge gained from these supporting courses enabled me to understand ion channels and the needs for them. The rudimentary knowledge gained from these supporting courses have enabled me to build a proper foundation for which I hope to build on in future courses.
Being in a living-learning program has most definitely been a highlight of my college career. I have met some of my closest friends through SGC and have made a number of acquaintances as well. SGC has enabled us to bond in ways we wouldn’t have otherwise. For instance, going to D.C. during one of our first excursions (the scavenger hunt) enabled me to meet new people. The next few excursions allowed me to build and strengthen bonds with my classmates. This was further reinforced through post lecture activities which would make it a tradition to get dinner at Yahentamtitsi Dining Hall right afterward. Furthermore, working in small groups every couple of lectures has enabled me to better collaborate with my classmates and introduce myself to others.
I believe I have contributed to SGC through strengthening relationships with peers and actively participating in group work. For instance, in the most recent group project, I made sure to always take the initiative to ensure everyone's project was going smoothly and checking in to see if there were ways to help. I have also increasingly worked towards mentoring younger students within scholars and SGC. For instance, I know some freshmen and have reached out to them to ensure a smooth college transition.
SGC has not necessarily brought me in contact with individuals and concepts that have challenged my beliefs, but it has made me think about my past actions impacting the climate that I haven’t recognized before. For instance, I haven’t really thought about my heating unit or car usage to be too big of an issue, especially since there are so many large companies that have a much greater carbon footprint than I do. However, after the course, I have realized that every little thing counts, and my actions have a great impact on the environment. This recognition has definitely evolved over the course of the semester. For instance, in the first semester of SGC, I recognized the impact of my actions on the environment.
I began researching ways to change my carbon footprint in the second half of the semester, empowered by the tools from class. Now, in my third semester, I have worked towards creating a more sustainable life. For instance, I now walk to the majority of my destinations and have emphasized not investing in non-sustainable brands, such as H&M. Additionally, I have encouraged my friends to do the same by situating themselves so they can walk from place to place and look for more sustainable alternatives to everyday items. For instance, encouraging the use of reusable straws instead of plastic single use straws. While these actions may seem small, they are my way of making a beneficial impact on the environment.
Scholars will inform my future by influencing how I live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. For instance, thinking twice about which type of car I look into or what brands I invest in. It has made me more conscious about my surroundings and has made me desire a lifestyle of greater independence where I can have a more eco-friendly lifestyle. SGC has given me the tools to approach the world in a more mindful manner. I want to specifically thank Dr. Holtz and Dr. Merck for their guidance through our lectures so that I can now have a more mindful perspective about the world.