I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect going into ENVR 430 given the course structure, and found that it was a lot less rigid and more curiosity-driven then some of the other courses I’ve taken. Reflecting on the semester, I would say that my favourite part of the course is that it was hope and empowerment driven rather than just presenting problems. I would say I often come away from hearing about environmental issues with a sense of gloom, which inevitably breeds apathy. Counteracting this is so essential for meaningful change to ever occur, and it’s great to see this being the foundation of an environmental science course.
Hearing everyone’s different perspectives from the unique contexts they are situated in was also very valuable, and led me to consider other viewpoints to complex topics. Coming away from this course, I have refined my ideas of what sustainability really means and how it can be practiced and I envision going on with my life performing a deeper questioning of the environmental issues I see in the world.
I totally agree, Sophia! Learning about environmental issues through a lens where can see the hope is just so empowering!
Your note about the power of hope is so important (and a reminder I need). Quite a number of courses have seriously bummed me out to the point that I don't want to think about the material outside of class. The focus on hope and action here has been super helpful!
I totally agree Sophia! I really appreciated ending classes with solutions and an #UnleashValues post. I think it's a great practice to continue into the future when looking at environmental problems so that we don't get overwhelmed by the doom and gloom of it all and can come away from them feeling hopeful and with some actions to take!
Hope as a countercultural force to the prevailing apathy is such a powerful message. Great write up!
Sometimes ENVR courses can leave you feeling defeated and small, but this one I believe inspired us. It made us feel a slight glimmer of hope that there are people like us out there, ready to make a change.
I like how you mention how hope is a big driving force to strengthen collective action against such environmental issues. Just reminds me of Star Wars haha
This was great! I'm so glad that the course was meaningful for you, and that you were able to refine ideas of sustainability :)
Great post!! I agree about empowerment being powerful
Hi Sophia, I agree it was amazing to see different perspectives and it allowed us to open our eyes and see the world in different ways! This course was designed just for that!
Hearing about perspectives from all the parties involved is definitely something I find to be valuable as well! In the context of environmental protection, I think it is important for the governing bodies to incorporate Indigenous People's opinions into the decision-making process, and exercise more respect to their traditions when conducting experiments/assessments on their lands.
I agree, the course doesn't seem rigid but still follows a certain structure - with the solutions or interventions at the end to provide an option to go forward.
I couldn't agree with you more Sophia, one of the things that keeps this class from being annoying is that it doesn't force people to give opinions, instead it gives hope and motivation. Like you, I likewise questioned various issues in greater depth and detail, and I wish you a colorful path ahead
Hi Sophia,
I agree with you! I think that having us all share interventions for the big problems that we discussed in class helped me to feel much more hopeful. This optimistic mindset also makes it much less daunting to go out and advocate for real change.
I found this class made me feel a lot more hopeful and empowered for the future too! even though we learned about a lot of issues that need to be fixed, I liked that we also always thought about solutions after
Hi Sophia, I think everyone in the class felt a little melancholy. I didn't even realize before that unique environments can inspire different perspectives. So, good reflection!
Hi Sophia! I agree, hearing lots of different perspectives during class was really valuable!
Hi Sophia!
Driving learning with hope and empowerment was so special. I'll definitely miss this learning environment!
Hi Sophia! I agree, this course gave us a sense of hope when it comes to achieving a sustainable future, rather than making it seem like we are too far gone to make any real change for the future.
Lovely reflection Sophia!! I agree that it was inspiring to be surrounded by like-minded individuals. I look forward to seeing what everyone does in the future :)
I agree, one of the things I liked about this course was that I was able to see the future course of change needed from the different perspectives/areas of environmental issues involved