Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Haley Reading Group: Reflections



[Best American Science and Nature Writing]

Alright readers, we've reached the end of our assignments on The Best American Science and Nature Writing 2015. What's one idea you encountered over the course of the semester from the readings that you found most memorable, challenging, or surprising? Why?

91 comments:

Jasmine Williams said...

Throughout the readings this semester, I found it interesting how much our personal views and morals affect the way we view and solve issues we come across in science. Even reading the comments from other people in the group opened my eyes to the varying ideals and solutions that are personally the best for each individual.

Jasmine Williams

Sandra Yokley said...

One of the ideas that I have encountered over the course of this semester and the readings was the idea that the same word can have multiple meanings in different realities. Such as the phrase, "at risk" referring to endangered animals, but also the humans who are less likely to cause more trouble. Understanding this difference has allowed me to think more critically about the other phrases and say and their potential double meanings. As intriguing as it was to me, it led me to tell others about and start conversations about things we don't normally talk about - which is healthy and helpful in expanding ourselves.

-Sandra Yokley

Unknown said...

There wasn't one particular thing that I can pick out that is really memorable. What I can say is I enjoyed reading everything. This was really different from what we are used to reading. I really hope these different readings continue. All the readings were interesting in their own way. A few of them made my curiosity come out and I found myself googling things.

Natalie Thompson

Lucas Reincke said...

The most surprising thing about the readings is the different themes that are expressed. The last time that I had to read for this scholarship program, and the readings were either about overcoming adversity and other uplifting themes. These readings made me question a lot of things, from how to handle death to how humans living now can destroy multiple environments by our actions. The readings from this semester were not messages of how we can, but these readings are more about "if we should" or "what are the consequences from this action?" I think reading these articles can help expand our perception of these themes, and make us think.

Aliyah Johnson said...

One of the ideas that i found over the course of the semester that was most memorable was from the reading "No Risky Chances." The lesson that i walked away with is that not every sick person's greatest priority is living longer, sometimes people just want to suffer less and spend more time with family.
--Aliyah Johnson

Sierra E said...

These writings challenged me to rethink the way that I interact with the people and circumstances in my environment. I enjoyed new perspectives on topics surrounding science. I think it is important to tap into a large variety of subjects, especially those of us who come from minority backgrounds. Those of us who are typically marginalized are also often separated from certain topics. The mere exposure to these subjects may spark new perspectives to old or current issues. Great string of readings.

Jordan Robinson said...

The most memorable idea I encountered from the readings was the in the "No Risky Chances" by Atul Gawande. He depicted that when you are the doctor of a patient, it is your responsibility to make sure the patient is comfortable. Most importantly, like in the case of Mrs. Douglass, it's okay for the patient to want to stay away from risks that might cause future pain.

Unknown said...

I think the general theme of the reading assignment was the blatant disregard many people have for the environment. While this idea is not surprising, it did give me pause and made me think about the little things I can do to support more environmentally friendly products. It reminded me of the major issues that need to be addressed by our government now more than ever, specifically climate change.
-Katie Hatches

Erica K. said...

One idea that I encounter over the semester was how this book was so interesting to me, I actually looked forward to reading it because it is so diverse and the topics varied so much from dying to animal danger to just being at risk based on nationality.

Unknown said...

The main idea that I encountered from the readings, was the importance of raising awareness about our impact on nature as human beings. The common theme throughout the readings was how our behavior, in few cases our intervention, have negatively impacted our environment. From the creation of artificial light, to the dangerous of deep sea mining, to the attempt to bring extinct species back to life, the goal is to figure out how to advance as a society without these advancements being at the expense of nature. At the very least we can do our best to reduce the damage.

Derick B said...

The most surprising idea in the readings to me was the idea hat as humans we still are not aware and cautious of the effects that our actions have on nature.

Unknown said...

Although i found something interesting in all the passages I read throughout the semester the most memorable lesson I learned was that everyone does what they do for a reason. Whether they want to do an invasive surgery with low chances or date a guy that has a bad repution. Big or little everyone has their reasons for choosing, because what one person might consider important or worth the risk another couldn't care less about. people experience many differnt things in life and although the situation might seem the same between two people; what they do next will be for two completely different reasons.

Breanna B. said...

I really loved the variety in subject matter; it was refreshing. Even if one didn't seem to be interesting, a completely new topic followed. It is striking how many things I learned along the way. I feel like a better informed citizen and hope to do my part to alleviate the severity of some of the issues discussed.

Aleeya Barrolle said...

Over this semester I found that I had never taken the time to think about how we as humans affect everything else. The life of human seems to cause some sort of harm to another species. Before this book, I thought that we were trying not affect others as bad. With the help of this book I have become more aware of what I do could harm or even kill an animal. If I would not have had to read this book I probably would still think the same way. Now I am more caution of what I do.

-Aleeya B

Roland Wooters said...

Throughout the semester we have been exposed to various different human behaviors. I never realized how much adversity people face depending on where they are located in the world. There are so may things that we take advantage of. We are Millenials, and can get upset over the smallest of things like not having our emails sync. There are people dealing woith true hardships, and these passages help shed light to these issues that plague the world.

Anonymous said...

One main idea that stuck with me as the semester went on, was that we humans rarely think about the effects our actions may have on something prior to making them. It has been a problem in our race and species since the beginning of time and has proven to be a major weakness of ours. We tend to act in such fast-paced styles that the consequences can become to big, and we find ourselves spending vast amounts of time trying to undo our work when it could have been cut down or even prevented had we given it genuine thought prior to the event. Some have said it is only a matter of time before we destroy ourselves, but I believe we have the unique ability to recollect ourselves, bounce back, and rebuild a better future for ourselves.

Richard G.

Aja J said...

Throughout the semester, I found that reading this book has given me new things to think about. I actually found the whole book surprising because it wasn't something that I would read on my own. Overall, I really liked this reading.

Kyla T said...

For me, the most surprising idea from the readings was how we label animals we believe are endangered as "at risk" while we label troubled youths as "at risk." I never made that distinction before, and now I try to make sure that I pay attention to words and phrases that may be positive in one context and negative in another.

Kyla T.

Unknown said...

I think what really stuck with me throughout this reading is just how selfish most humans are. We don't really take the time to st and understand what we are doing to these animals and their habitats. We just see a possible gain in destroying both. Also the topic of de-extinction sticks considering that many species are extinct from the hands of human greed.

~Alona D.

Unknown said...

My favorite article to read was Amy Maxmen’s article “Digging Through the World’s Oldest Graveyard.” The Ethiopian discovery founded by Ethiopians was awesome to read about. As an Ethiopian-American, I was just as excited and proud to read about their discoveries as the author described them to be!!! Reading that article made me happy to be Ethiopian. The unity of the different cultures to complete a task/make history was also inspiring.

-B. Nigeda

Kellsey H. said...

The readings that we were assigned this semester differed greatly from the ones that we have read in the past. Each article stimulated some form of curiosity within me. A recurring notion throughout the readings seemed to be associated with the lack of human understanding.

Jazsmine Towner said...

The most memorable passages for me was "No Risky Chances" this story was more personal than any of the other stories because it hit close to home, many of my family members passed from cancer. I understood why the older woman chose to die comfortably and with her family, and because of my connection to the story, it made it more memorable and understanding as to why she chose the decision she did.

Jasmin Smoot said...

I love the idea that we were given a book with multiple authors. It gave me a chance to hear different voices through the readings. I would say the most memorable idea of the semester was how I cold form an image in my mind of what the passages would be about by reading the title. What amazed me most was the fact that the story the author would tell would be so different from the inferences I would make. This just goes to show that different terms or phrases can be interpreted in various ways.

Joey N. said...

The most interesting entity out all of the selected readings was found in the Chasing Bayla chapter. The fact that some years there is only one offspring born within the entire population is completely shocking and something I've never heard of before reading this chapter.

Kelsey W said...

My favorite article was probably "No Risky Chances" even though it makes my stomach turn reading it. When the author was talking about life and how the ending matters because it is like a story was my favorite scene.

Brandy Collier said...

All of the articles that were assigned this semester were very diverse but they all made me really think about the effects that humans have on animals. The article about the effects of artificial lights on birds really surprised me because I didn't know that having the street lights on can harm birds in flight. It really makes me think about how we should be more aware of the things that we do that could harm animals.

Anonymous said...

One thing that shocked me the most was the section on ocean mining. I just can't believe that people are entirely uncertain of the potential effects it could have on the environment but continue to do. That's why we're in the environmental situation that we are in today.

Sydney J.

Victoria Wright said...

The most significant idea to me from all of our readings this semester was from Jourdan Imani Keith's "At Risk." The awareness of different minorities and teens being at risk and even endangered is very important to me. Judgement, limitations, assumptions are thrown at these people and they are looked at as suspects instead of victims. Being African-American, Latino,
teen, etc. should be a reason to protect an individual instead of look at them as harmful to our society.

- Victoria Wright

gabriel said...

The readings this semester were a lot different from the readings assigned in the past. I would have to say I enjoyed the past readings a lot more. One thing that I found that stuck most with me was the reading about labeling. It was interesting to read about how society could label 2 things by the same name, however, treat them both differently. In this day in age, it is interesting how people use words to work with or against them. Freedom of speech, just as long as you are saying the right thing. See ya'll next semester!
-GMsengi

Aliyah B. said...

I think I just liked the overall theme of questioning whether we are respecting the Earth or not. I think that it is always good to be self-aware and that maybe we need a heavier dose of that as our technology grows. Just because we have the ability to do things, doesn't mean that we should and we probably need to evaluate the potential consequences of our actions.

Aliyah B.

Unknown said...

The most memorable idea encountered while reading the book is de-extinction. The possibilities are fascinating. The fact that it may be possible to reconstruct an entire species just shows how far technology has come.

Unknown said...

The article I found most interesting was "Curious" by Kim Todd. I think it's puzzling that some people considered curiosity as a form of sin or defiance of God. I think it's not concerning when you have curiosity but it's about what you do with it. Something I liked from all the pieces was their word choices and the meanings behind those words. They all had powerful messages that I had never considered before.

Jeremiah B. said...

I think one of the most challenging reading was the one about trying to bring back the passenger pigeons. There are an infinite amount of possibilities and unknown factors that must be accounted for when trying to handle a problem like this. I thought that this was one of the more interesting articles.

KaelynB said...

What I have learned from this course is that what we do as humans greatly effects every species. This book was, for lack of a better word, different. I did not expect to learn these little lessons. I did not expect to read this and actually think about these chapters after I was done. I am grateful that I did though, because as I may not be a better person, I am a more curious person. Also my favorite chapter was Waiting for Light.
-Kaelyn Blunt

Anonymous said...

The one idea that stuck with me the most is simply finding a since of self in comparison to finding your place in the world. There's a really disheartening view that you must prove your worth as a means to protecting yourself. From the whale to the disappearing bird's nest, there are constantly changes in the modern world that threaten us. And from finding authenticity to being an "at risk" individual one must figure out what defines us and if that is the best for us. Both of these things seemed to be solvable if people simply took the time to understand things outside of themselves.

-Que'rra Mason

Maya Searcy said...

I find that a common theme of all the articles was risks, whether it was taking a risk or danger risks. I learned about different morals and looked at topics from a different point of view. The mmos memorable article for me was No Risky Chances. I found that the most intresting because it showed they need to control risks.
Maya Searcy

Anonymous said...

The "Chasing Baley" article was very interesting. It is very sad to see humans mess up an animal's ecosystem, and the animals have to suffer because of it. You never really this damage in real life, however, besides the occasional roadkill.

-Brandon N.

Unknown said...

The reading selections from this semester always interested me. They caused me to think more in-depth about certain nature related topics. I can say I liked "The Big Kill" the most. I paid more attention to this reading because of my interest in New Zealand.

David B.

Jade Huerta said...

I can't say that there was that one memorable idea from the readings this semester because I enjoyed all of them. This book was different, and all of the independent stories that we've read were so interesting. It was something new each post, not a continuation of just one story; I saw things from different perspectives with each reading. This was definitely a really good book.

-Jade H.

Deborrah Blackburn said...

One of the ideas that was memorable to me was the "At Risk" article. I found this interesting because it showed us how we can treat things differently even though they are in the same circumstances. They talked about how when endangered animals are considered at risk there is more effort put in to saving them, but when a person is at risk it has a different meaning.
Deborrah B.

Simone Hall said...

One thing that I found to be extremely interesting about the readings is that none of them were really my style in particular, yet I still enjoyed reading every one. They all had extremely influential topics that were complex yet easy enough to grasp so that the reader didn't get bored too easily. I like that the readings proved to me that I can enjoy factual writing and commit it to memory enough to be able to read and answer questions about it on this blog. I also enjoyed reading the other students standpoints on certain topics we read and seeing how much we all truly differ, yet we can come together to discuss like topics. I enjoyed this book as well as the blogs, which stimulated our minds enough to share our true feelings about the things we've read and learned.

Trion T. said...

One thing I found memorable was reading "At Risk." I found the double meaning of the term at risk to be very interesting and confounding at the same time. The fact that the term was used to describe a group of people at some type of disadvantage in society while also propagating further disadvantage to that group was quite peculiar. Then when you use the same term for animals, it implies something different altogether and evokes somewhat of a hero complex from people that says "save this species."

Sydney O said...

The readings made me think if how big of a carbon footprint we leave behind, and how we fail to notice it. As a humans we have made many advancments to succed. However, those advancements continue to come with consequences.
-Sydney Oats

Isaiah Blackburn said...

The idea that we actively seek information due to curiosity even though it will not benefit us really caught my attention. I enjoyed Kim Todd's "Curious" because its writing style was very abstract. To me, abstract articles and stories fully grab the reader's attention, forcing him to look at a concept from different angles to fully absorb the information.

Dakarai P. said...

This book opened my eyes to a lot of things this semester, there was one story in particular that really stood out to me. "At Risk" stood out to me because it shows how differently people view things with the same label. If we look at "at risk" or endangered animals millions of dollars are raised every year to help in those animals survival such as WWF, Paws, World Society for the Protection of Animals, and many others. This is great because these species need to protection to survive, but compare this to the way we look at "at risk" teens in America. There are charities and programs in place to help these teens survive, but you don't hear about them nearly as often. "At Risk" has made me wonder countless times why we spend more effect helping to continue other species than we do our own, it has made me want to play a bigger part in the survival of our species.

Unknown said...

The lesson that spoke to me the most is the lesson on how our morals affect us. The amount of value we put on them was very eye opening to see. The story "No risky chances" was probably my favorite out of all of the stories because of how it touched on those topics of morality.

Unknown said...

One of the things that opened my eyes was that we have to be conscious and aware of how us, as humans, treat nature. We always forget about the environment and the animals that are in it because we are all so absorbed in our own lives and our own problems that we don't think of other problems that exist in the world. It made me realize that I should just stop and take a look around and I realize that even though sometimes my life seems overwhelming and stressful, there is something else worse going on in the world.

Jamesha M. said...

The story "At Risk" is still very present in my mind. I think the story is so relatable and paints a very honest picture of what people really think when they hear at risk. The idea that i encountered to be most memorable is that people think of kids this way when you add at risk to their title, but the connotation completely changes when you add it to Salmon or another species (149-150).

Unknown said...

What I find most memorable about this book is how many articles there was about improving the environment. I was not expecting to do some reading I actually enjoyed throughout the semester. All of the articles were thought provoking. The readings were not dry and talked about topics most people actually care about. I know this isn't as specific but I couldn't pick just one article to talk about. They were all so interesting and intellectual. The idea for this book was memorable you could say.

Brianna R. said...

The realization I came to after completing each of the readings was that it seems we as humans are constantly trying to separate ourselves from out environments yet we can't survive if we don't strive to protect and preserve it. We don't like to claim responsibility for the detriments we have caused and we under-rate the scope of the problems we face until it becomes so big that it is no longer avoidable. Majority of the readings made me realize the connection that people have to the environment and in a way we have an obligation to it because it supports us.

Payton Bridegroom said...

The most surprising thing from this reading for me was the different topics and themes each section had. I was expecting to have to read about stuff I did not find interesting or stuff I could not relate to. However I very much enjoyed these reading because they were topics that interested me and I felt like I learned something from each reading.
Payton B.

Alexandra J said...

The readings from this semester opened my eyes and really had me reflecting on the various topics. One in particular was the Carbon footprint. It is unfortunate that we have made steps forward but also seem to make steps backward with the consequences of success. Also I was very interested and happy to see the process of bringing extinct species back to life. Although it is unfortunate that some of these species go instinct due to human causes, it is nice to know there are methods to revive the species and return to how things once were.

JaLeah McKinney said...

As I read through a few of these comments before posting, I have to agree with a few of my peers. I think this reading was very interesting and was definitely different in comparison to the reading I was introduced to last year. The most memorable idea to me was the theme that was portrayed from the "at risk" passage. There can be a vast majority of meanings to one word and I think it's important to be able to realize and analyze that.

J'kolbe K. said...

Over the course of these blog post the writing that stood out the most to me is "no risky chances" by Atul Gawande. This one stuck in my mind because it shows that death doesn't have to happen on bad terms. Its all about holding on to what you love tell your last breath

Jessica D said...

over the course of this semester i learned how much science related to the make up of the world. I enjoyed reading about things that aren't well taught. It was very interesting reading everyone's opinions about particular topics. This book made you think outside of the box as well.

Mikaela S said...

The readings over the course of the semester were very interesting to me. The concept of reading short exerts from all different subject areas kept me very interested and on my toes. The most memorable idea that I encountered can be found in "No Risky Chances". Because I work in an intensive care unit, I see a lot of what the patient experienced in the article. Some patients want everything done for them, while others just want palliative measures taken to make them more comfortable and able to enjoy the time that they have left. It was nice to be able to make connections from the reading to real life scenarios.

Anonymous said...

What I found most memorable over this course of the semester would be "No Risky Chances". I say this because the story and its content resonated with me very much and touched my heart. It showed that you have to live your life to the fullest and have in perspective what your priorities in life should really be.

Sydnee T.

Persephone C. said...

There was not a boring passage in this book. I really liked how every passage had a different main idea, yet each one interested me. Each of the assigned passages made me think deeply about the underlying meaning behind the words on the page. The passage that stuck out to me the most was "At Risk." I am a minority who have lived in a predominantly black community almost my entire life, so I know how it feels to be classified by people on the outside looking in.

Anitra B. said...

I can't really pick out one exact moment that I found most memorable as I really enjoyed reading this book this semester. I found it quite interesting and I liked that it was different from the books that we normally read. I liked that it was science based. I connected with the "No Risky Chances" reading the most as I work in medical field and Have seen patient's experiencing that same thing.

Crystal R. said...

One idea from the readings this semester that was most memorable to me was the reading "At Risk" about how endangered species had more protection than "at risk" people. It was most memorable to me because it was so true. You wouldn't want to believe it or anyone wouldn't probably think about it from that perspective but it is most definitely true. I enjoyed majority also of the readings that were assigned.

Marcus B. said...

All of the readings were very interesting to me, but I think the one that stood out the most was "The Health Effects of a World Without Darkness." It talked about the negative effects that too much bad light exposure can have on a human or animal. Before reading it, I knew that there were some effects it could have, but not to the extent that you could develop obesity or depression from it. This article was very eye opening on the damage that light can have on you.

Asher said...

All the readings, in my mind were enlightening and unique in their own story and lesson. But, my favorite reading that I still think about is probably the "At Risk" chapter, which talked about how we don't really talk about the at risk aspect of endangered animals. It really had me researching about at risk animals in our country and world, to see how long some species had until they will become extinct. I also ended up watching several nature documentaries that also focused on this aspect.

-Asher Denkyirah

Tatyana C. said...

Over the course of reading the novel, I felt that book hit on the fact that humans truly don't pay attention to the affects that we have on our environment, whether we consciously or unconsciously know.

Unknown said...

Out of all the readings and blog posts we encountered through-out the semester, I can't seem to pinpoint one idea that really caught my attention. Instead, I was surprised at the diversity of all our responses and opinions. It was interesting learning what one person thought about something we read, and seeing how that stacked up to my own ideas. Being able to compare my words to others was at the same time fun and knowledgeable.

Xavier J. said...

I found the idea of respect most memorable in the texts we read. I learned that simply acknowledging an idea and having a discussion about it is the best way for different people to understand each other. I say respect because without it you just have hostility and that helps neither group.

Xavier J

Shervonti N. said...

Each reading this semester had memorable parts. The first reading "No Risky Chances" has resonated with me because I admired the women for being so selfless even though she was very will. The last reading has also stuck with me because I did not want to find out that Bayla died (because isn't it just too hard for deal with animals dying?). The article was not even set up to be sad so I did not handle that death well.

Unknown said...

The most memorable story was "No Risky Chances" That story in particular stuck out to me the most because it really was a great example on how to come at peace with such a big issue everyone is scared to face. Death. And the way she handled showed that there is a way you can handle where it evrrykne can be at peace. and it was a great eye opener.

Zuriah Harkins said...

This assignment has brought several challenges that we are currently facing to my attention that I initially did not no anything about at all. With all the problems that I have read about, it's hard to only choose one topic that was the most surprising and memorable to me. Therefore, learning about the whales and the passenger pigeons were probably the most memorable because they suffered from humans directly, and there is not enough people trying to correct the issue.

The way that whales were dying was just completely horrific. Even though it was not intentional, humans caused a very great deal of damage to those whales. The passenger pigeons were memorable because they were once a very abundant population and now they have gone extinct. I also found the method of genetically changing a bird to be very interesting, however very risky as well.

Zuriah H.

Nia Piggott said...

The Best American Science and Nature Writing readings introduced me to various new topics. The reading that stood out to me or was the most memorable was Jourdan Imani Keith’s article “At Risk". This was the most memorable to me because it made think of the different meanings of being "at risk" in relations to humans and nature. It also made me want to fix the connotation of what beings "at risk" meant in relation to humans and overall was just an very enlightening perspective.

Nia Oke-Famakinde said...

One idea I encountered over the course of the semester from the readings that I found most challenging, is the reading about taking risks. I find it hard to understand how doctors can process the act of making very risky choices regarding other people's lives.
Nia O.

Unknown said...

One of the ideas that I found the most interesting from this reading, was the chapter all about technology and light. The way our phones affect us in more ways than any of us even realize was fascinating. I feel like everyone focuses on how technology is affecting our social interactions/life but not how it physically affects. My generation complains about being tired all the time and to know that some of that is caused by our phones but yet no one tells us that is very intriguing.

Unknown said...

The idea that I found the most memorable was the idea discussed at the end of "No Risky Chances" on page 71. The text states, "we have the opportunity to refashion our institutions, culture and conversations to transform the possibilities for the last chapters of all of our lives." The reason I find this idea the most interesting is because it addresses how much control we have over our lives right now in our everyday decisions.

Tiera W.

Unknown said...

The idea that I found the most memorable was the idea discussed at the end of "No Risky Chances" on page 71. The text states, "we have the opportunity to refashion our institutions, culture and conversations to transform the possibilities for the last chapters of all of our lives." The reason I find this idea the most interesting is because it addresses how much control we have over our lives right now in our everyday decisions.

Tiera W.

Unknown said...

Over the course of this semester, I enjoyed reading from The Best American Science and Nature Writing book. I am very interested in science, so it was just cool to see all of the studies that were conducted. I learned a lot of things that I wouldn't have learned in the classroom. I think learning outside the classroom is so important, so I am grateful to have gotten the opportunity to read, learn, and reflect.

Tashawna N. said...

Overall, I liked reading the many different passages that we were assigned. Reading these passages really gave me new perspectives on several things and taught me different ways of examining the context and how words can mean several things depending on who it is said to.

Joshua Jones said...

I enjoyed how the readings were so diverse. It led me down a different path each time I picked up the book. It all connected by unveiling information to me that I've never encountered before. It is definitely wise to read more of the essays.

-Joshua J.

Peyton D. said...

This book was different than books assigned from past semesters. It contained topics that I wouldn't necessarily have read about if I would have chosen a book on my own. I am always a person that likes to get many perspectives before I make a personal decision about something. Reading the comments of my fellow colleagues gave insight to topics that were new to me. There were a variety of people who contributed with experience, education, and thoughts that I have never had. It was awesome to see the many different perspectives and discussions on the topics of the book and only helped me further explore the topic.

Jeremiah T said...

I will always remember the story where the lady was dying. The way she handled the fact that she did not have long really surprised me. I don't many people could be that strong in that situation.

A. Robinson said...

There is not one reading that sticks out to me from this semester. However, I do think the passages we read as a whole impacted the way I will think about things. Judging from the cover, I never would have picked up this book and read it on my own so I am thankful this scholarship gave me the opportunity to broaden my horizons and try something new.
Alexis R.

Tameah F said...

The idea I found most interesting in this reading is the one about "at risk" being a term that is used negatively against humans but receives more support from humans when the term is referred to animals. This stuck with me because it shows how humans are more nurturing to species except for their own. It also shows the amount of prejudice we have against each other in society.

Anonymous said...

What I found to be most memorable is the fact that there are so many different interpretations to various ideas. Not everyone looks at everything the same say and I think thats great! It challeneges me as a reader to think more and to be open to new things.

Alexis Acoff said...

One idea that really stuck with me was how light that we humans have created ourselves is an obstacle that many other animals have to overcome. Some of the facts that were brought up in the article were things that I have never considered. Who knew that a little extra light in our world would be bad at any means?

Andrea R. said...

There were actually two points that I found to be the most memorable or challenging. Both the readings on desegregating wilderness and Bayla the whale I felt like were very important in that they challenge the reader's perspectives or to do better for the environment. With "Desegregating Wilderness", it never really occurred to me that even something as natural as nature itself was being commodified and considered a privilege in some places to just experience. With "Chasing Bayla", it was sad to read that human carelessness resulted in the death of an endangered animal. It also raised awareness about the harmful effects throwing plastics into the ocean can have on the wildlife. I say that this one challenges the reader, because it makes them more conscious of how their actions could affect nature. Overall though, I thought that all of the readings were very thought provoking and interesting to read.

Sierra Taylor said...

A common theme that stood out to me this semester was how humans treat and protect the environment. From "Chasing Bayla" to "At Risk", these stories highlighted a major problem with how humans interact with the environment. More should be done to preserve endangered species and the environment is something to be treasured.
-Sierra Taylor

Unknown said...

One of the most memorable things that I took away from these readings was how much humans have the ability to change the world around us. For example, in The Health Effects of a World Without Darkness made me realize how much control we have over the things that affect us but sometimes we don't weigh the consequences and the benefits of our actions and that not only affects ourselves, but it affects other living things as well.

-Carlie B

Natasha said...

(Sorry if I posted twice. Seems like my last one did not go through.) But overall, I really loved the readings we did this semester. I really love the themes of nature, going green, and sustainability. These are all hot topics for the political world of today and it's important as students that we know about the issues at hand. Thank you for a great semester.

Shardai J-H. said...

I found the reading this semester different and interesting. One thing I found memorable throughout the reading is the choices we make and how it effects us and things on a much broader scale. The readings allowed me to think about the present and what I can do to help and not harm.

Xavier Morrison- Wallace said...

Just because I have a high interest in neurology and psychology based ideas and concepts, "Curiuos" was the story that I enjoyed the most. Answering the question of why people are curious is very difficult and complicated. But when you start thinking about why, things get interesting.

De'Abrion Joyner said...

I would say I found these readings eye opening in a way. I haven't really looked into certain sides of science and to figure out some of the things through these readings has been pleasurable. Opening my eyes to new things with these readings has challenged me to think deeper I would say also, I enjoyed them.

Trevon Bosley said...

The most interesting and memorable article was about the light pollution and its affects on the environment. I would've never believed that light would have a negative impact on so much.

Barry F. said...

The most memorable article we read was the one about light pollution. It was very eye opening to see how the effects of light can negatively effect human health. It is in our best interest to see what we can do as citizens to decrease the presence of light pollution and create a healthier world for our children.