How Location Defines and Teaches Me: Journal Entry #2

I was born and raised in Florida and love my surroundings. I love the beach, the mud, the water, and the heat. I enjoy laying in the sun, go swimming, driving through the mud, and just being in the fresh air. When I am asked about my sense of place I think of how much I enjoy the outdoors. I know enough to get me by such as do not pollute, do not use items that will harm the ozone, and try to always recycle. However, I feel that since the environment plays such a huge role in my life, I should take the time to learn more about it.

I believe that I currently know the things that I do because of my surroundings. I grew up in a family that believed that being outdoors is essential to life. We were taught very young to pick up trash outside and how it can be harmful. I also believe that the reason I think it is so important is because I attend Florida Gulf Coast University which is a very “green” school. At just about every corner there is a trash can with a recycling bin. Florida Gulf Coast University encourages you to turn off lights and computers when you leave the room in order to save energy. This school makes me feel like a part of a bigger community that respects our land. I enjoy being outside and would devastated if one day the world became so polluted that we would not be able to enjoy the outdoors.