My life has been radically changed by the experiences I’ve had while attending the University of Madison. As a senior reflecting back on my previous three years, it seems that I have learned more about life than about textbook material. My current ideologies and future desires have metamorphosed form the puny aspirations I once held. Now, I posses a whole new set of values and a greater world view. Values about the environment, not being a typical consumer, the food I buy, and the energy I use. Also, a world view in regards to how societies’ subtle actions can have a huge impact on the environment. These values and world view thinking have come at me through two venues and have directed me to my current areas of interest and study.Currently I am in a cooperative living situation in Madison. It is one of the largest housing cooperatives in Madison. The house consists of a community of approximately 30 other individuals. Our house is known for our food policy of only purchasing local and/or organic foods and for the prevalence of activism. The house consists of people trying to make the world a better place. By being a part of this community for over a year and a half the necessity to make the world a better place has been firmly rooted within me. While studying life sciences, namely botany, I have found avenues that will let this part of me come out. I have recently been exploring the potentials of ethnobotany and ecology to improve situations in the environment.Restoration ecology has become an interest of mine brought forth by my current occupation. Working at the University’s Arboretum has been, and continues to be, an outstanding educational opportunity. I have been able to attend seminars, learn about past and ongoing research, and just walk around to make observations. I have seen how trying it can be to maintain an ecosystem, and I’ve also been able to appreciate the fruits of success. My future plans are fairly uncertain, but one thing is certain; I want to continue to learn. I hope to travel the world over and enjoy everything I can.
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