As the spring semester of my sophomore year comes to an end, it is important for me to take the time to reflect upon my time as a Science and Global Change (SGC) Scholar and how it has affected my introduction to college. As a whole, the Scholars program has connected me to so many students who I have been able to make meaningful connections with. Being a Science & Global Change Scholar has significantly deepened my understanding of the scientific process, especially in the context of global challenges. Compared to what I might have received if I were not in SGC, the program has provided me with a multidisciplinary and international perspective on scientific inquiry, emphasized the importance of evidence-based decision-making, and fostered critical thinking.
Science and Global Change has taught me how to think critically about science. One example in which I have employed the hypothetico-deductive method of science outside of SGC has been during my scholar’s practicum. For the practicum, I am studying grave soil samples from a historic African Burial Ground to detect different trace metals and their anthropogenic influences on the population. I have utilized deductive reasoning skills to hypothesize and predict the outcomes of my research. As I continue this project, I will proceed to implement the hypothetico-deductive method of science when analyzing my data and results. As an Environmental Science and Policy major, all of the material that we learn in SGC has helped me feel further connected to my major. Specifically, learning about different solutions to climate change has provided me with a more positive outlook on my major. In many of my classes, I learn about the problems of the current state of our climate. However, we do not often talk about solutions to fix these problems. Learning about solutions in SGC has given me a more hopeful outlook on the topic of my major. One class that increased my knowledge of global scientific issues was Causes and Implications of Global Change (AOSC 123). This class provided a deep, scientific background of the causes and effects of climate change in a global context. One class that developed my knowledge of the scientific process was Chemistry I - Fundamentals of General Chemistry (CHEM 131/132). This class taught me about the importance of observations and experimentation.
Interacting with other Science and Global Change scholars allowed me to better understand the content of the course. Many of the SGC students I have interacted with and become friends with are like-minded and share similar values to me. We were often able to talk about the content of the class and agree with each other. There were times when other students provided new perspectives on the material that I had not previously thought about. I believe that throughout our numerous in-class activities, simulations, and discussions I have been an active participant. I always worked toward contributing to the conversations. For example, when we participated in class discussions regarding possible solutions to climate change, I was very engaged in the conversation and made sure to discuss all aspects of each person’s solution.
Science and Global Change has taught me to rethink my global perspectives on climate change. Prior to this course, I had a very individualistic view of environmental issues. I believed that the “cure” to climate change was for me to make small adjustments to stop any actions that could contribute and that it was my personal responsibility to do so. While life adjustments such as recycling, going vegetarian, water conservation, and more do help protect the planet, SGC has taught me that the solution to climate change must occur at a much grander scale than an individual’s actions. Through our class discussions, lectures, coursework, and readings, I came to understand that environmental issues cannot be solved solely through individual actions but require systemic change, policy shifts, and global cooperation.
Science and Global Change has provided me with information that will allow me to better understand the world and, more specifically, the field of science. The material that I learned in this course will influence my personal, academic, and professional life. This course provided me with an interdisciplinary perspective of our world through the environmental, political, and social impacts science has on our world. This class has taught me to think critically about what I learn and to not immediately believe everything I read/hear. Finally, this course has increased my communication and collaboration skills. I learned how to have meaningful conversations with other students. This class has taught me how to articulate my thoughts which will be a useful skill no matter what profession I go into.