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Shifting Views and Expanding Knowledge: My Reflective Essay

Growing up in a small community surrounded by forests and lakes, a love for nature was instilled in me at a young age.  As I grew up I was taught the values of recycling, composting, and being aware of consumption.  We would spend summers out at my cabin in the Chilcotins with no electricity or running water and so it became second nature to me to value these resources as a privilege rather than a right.  However, in my young adulthood my attitude shifted as I spent more time in urban areas, disconnected from nature.  My attitude was that my small actions would make no difference in the world.  Driving my car unnecessarily wasn’t going to impact the atmosphere and purchasing those cheaper apples from China wasn’t going to stop the Okanagan apples from growing.  I am only one person and my actions didn’t matter.  Although I did not understand it at the time, I had a lot to learn about the impacts that my choices actually had.  I was taught that we have an ample opportunity to learn ways in which we can sustain the environment and communities that we live and thrive in.  Case in point: this leadership in environmental sustainability certificate.

 

An interest in Earth’s systems led me to majoring in physical.  While I had a general understanding of environmental issues in our society, I had little knowledge of the complexities and vulnerabilities of the ecosystems and natural cycles around us.  I was also a guilty believer that as an individual, my actions would not make a difference.  However, I feel my view has completely shifted.  In Hydrology (GEOG 2050), learning about hydrologic processes and the potential impacts of land use management has allowed me to see the complexities of land use.  Human Interaction with the Natural Environment (GEOG 2100) allowed me to critique and engage with my home community.  I was able to research local sustainability issues and make recommendations for a more sustainable future.  This research provided me with an in-depth understanding of sustainable indicators and of sustainability on a local scale.  Limnology (NRSC 3260) and Watershed Management (NRSC 4110) taught me the importance of pro-active vs. reactive strategies in managing natural resources and how fragile and important aquatic ecosystems are.  These classes created a deeper understanding of the natural environment and how human interactions can have damaging effects on the natural processes and resources around us. I feel this has led to a deeper awareness for sustainability as well as a desire to seek positive change within my own lifestyle.

 

My professional experiences have also increased my awareness for environmental sustainability.  During an 8-month co-op term, I worked with the Ministry of Agriculture as an Agroforestry technician.  Agroforestry is an intensive land management practice that incorporates all three pillars of sustainability.  As a technician, I was able to help with field research and be part of a pilot research project, gaining skills in fieldwork, sampling design and site-specific layout.  One of the most valuable lessons I took away from this experience was the importance of new and innovative research in the field of environmental sustainability.

 

I can track my desire for food sustainability back to my job working at an organic local farm and market in Fernie, BC.  Being part of a family owned business taught me about food systems, about the long process of becoming a “certified organic” farm, and about how important it is to care about what you eat.  This experience allowed me to really assess my eating habits and I have since changed to a vegetarian diet and strive to eat seasonal and local produce.  In the organic market we carried all local food from the surrounding area and I saw firsthand how supporting local farmers can invoke positive change in the community.

 

I have been privileged to gain volunteer experience, which has increased my understanding of environmental and social issues in British Columbia. My involvement in the Fraser Basin Council Youth Committee has been a great opportunity to collaborate and be inspired by other like-minded youth within the basin.  As youth, we can be positive agents for change and the Fraser Basin Council Youth Committee strives to incorporate ways to connect youth to resources and encourage them in their sustainability endeavors.   

 

As I wrap up my undergraduate degree, I feel that TRU has been a vital part of my current awareness in sustainability and has provided me with confidence to make a difference.  The endeavors post-graduation are exciting and I am hopeful that I will find a career where I can use my awareness and passion for sustainability and the environment to make a positive change.  In order to make a positive change, I plan to focus my efforts on continued education in order to effectively learn and communicate information in an impactful way.  I have a goal of doing a master’s degree at SFU in Resource and Environmental Management to research current ways that we as a society can manage the resources we have and still allow future generations to also benefit and manage the same resources.  I want to also reach those who may be guilty, just like I was, of believing that their actions (and non-actions) will not make a substantial impact on the environment around us.  I believe now that one person can foster change and I feel that this certificate will encourage me to achieve my goals of continued education to promote a collective understanding of the importance a sustainable lifestyle.  

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