Thursday, September 21, 2017
Introducing.....ME!
When you apply for college next year, you'll likely be required to write essays for your application for admission. Because schools are interested not only in the academic potential of their students but also in their personal qualities, these essay prompts often ask about ethos-what kind of character the applicant has. For this assignment, click on this link to the common app essays and respond to one of the prompts in a blog NO LONGER than 650 words. It need not be that long, but cannot exceed 650 words. Identify with an asterisk * sentences that establish arete, phronesis and eunoia within your essay.
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My college requires a personal essay of a minimum of 250 words, but I chose to combine two of the topics:
ReplyDeleteEvaluate a significant experience, achievement, or dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.
Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence.
I've had the experience to meet many astounding people to provide an influence on my life. Having connections in a hospital and military base gave me the feelings of helping others around me. Not only have I befriended military personnel, medical workers, and different human resources, but most important of all, my parents. From the start of my life, I've had the privilege to be led and guided by such amazing people. My parents taught me how to live life with positive attitudes, strong mindsets, and a hopeful spirit. That is how I became who I am today. With my career choice of becoming a doctor, I have been pushed by my parents to go the extra mile to get there. This pressure has made me experience life with a passionate goal of doing my best. My parents have encouraged and promoted the ideas of being a well rounded person, involving myself in everything I can. The hardest involvement, the military. I've been apart of a military family for my entire life with not only blood relations. The Air Force gifted my parents and passed it along to me. When I was younger and my mother would leave for months at a time, it's a hard task at a young age. But when she would come home, that bond between us would only become stronger. I exhibit that bond with many others in my life, creating that family atmosphere. All my friends, teachers, classmates, and teammates have connected through a bond much like the one my mother taught me to have. Without her, I would be no where close to where I am today.
Kristen, this is truly amazing. If you keep working hard, you definitely will become a doctor! You also incorporated the two topics really well too.
DeleteI love it Kristen! I am in love with your determination to do anything you put your mind to. Keep up the great work!
DeleteThroughout my life, I have been faced with many challenges. To get where I am today, I had to overcome all the curve balls that were thrown at me. A very big eye opening experience unexpectedly occurred in my family a few years ago. Once things were finally coming together again, I realized how much stronger I became. After this life changing event, I strongly believe I started to grow out of childhood and entered adulthood. In order to become a better person, you will need your family members to lead you in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteI was thirteen years old when my mother was diagnosed with cancer. At first, my family and I thought everything was going to be all right. After she had a very long precise surgery, however, we learned cancer was still in her body. The next, best decision was for her to be treated with chemotherapy. This was the hardest thing I ever had to watch and experience in my entire life. This made me realize I need to become a better person. I am the only daughter in my family. I am also the youngest of three children. This left me feeling very alone and helpless. Despite feeling helpless, I knew there was something I could do in order to no longer have this feeling. I came to the conclusion that I really needed to help more around the house. My mom was unable to do many tasks because she always felt sick, or she slept most of the day. Almost every night I would make dinner or clean the house. These little actions usually do not mean much to someone, however, the tasks I completed allowed my mother to relax after a long and exhausting day at the hospital. I am a very family oriented person so I figured any little help I could do would make matters a little bit more soothing. Today, I am able to be independent. By this statement I mean that I taught myself many new things in order to not be so dependent on my parents. My parents used to do many things for me such as making dinner or washing my own clothes. Now, I can do all of this own my own which makes their life a lot less stressful.
Despite acting as the "mother" in the family for a few weeks, I did not think I deserved anything in return. Most people would assume that they need an award for everything thing they do. In this situation, the reward was definitely just learning how to become a better person in general. I learned to stop taking so many blessings for granted. During this difficult time, I never thought I was actually maturing. I thought I was just doing the right thing. Looking back now, I realize that this situation is actually when I started becoming more mature. In adulthood, I think the most important information includes learning that family should always come first. As we mature we slowly grow apart from the people we love most in our life. We need to cherish every moment we have with someone because you never know when your life can be changed forever, such as when my family learned my mom had cancer.
Your essay really made me think about how often we take for granted those who surround us on a daily basis. We think that they'll be there tomorrow with us, but in the blink of an eye, everything could change dramatically. And, of course, your description of this entire situation truly revealed your independent personality, which is, of course, what a college essay is intended to do! Fantastic!
DeletePrompt 5:
ReplyDeleteI have spent seventeen years, 6,205 days, and 8,935,200 minutes gaining new experiences and developing new talents, all while becoming a better person. *In those seventeen years, I have come across many situations that have tested my limits, but through hard work, careful planning, and a bit of luck, I managed to overcome each of these difficulties. Of these situations, none have left me with a more lasting impact than being a team captain for the demonstration team.
*In martial arts, which I have been a part of for well over a decade, a demonstration team puts on performances for both the public and other martial arts groups. *As a team captain, I was charged with coming up with the routines we would preform, and teach it to the students who chose to sign up. These students were all very young people, no older than twelve, and getting them to listen was a challenge on its own, not to mention teaching them a routine.
*Along with coming up with the routine, the captains were also in charge of fundraising for uniforms and boards to break. We had two fundraisers, a popcorn sale and a clothing order. Neither fundraiser went well, but we made just enough money to purchase all of the necessary equipment. *The fundraising setback taught me a valuable lesson, one that I believe I will keep with me forever. Good things require hard work, and great things require harder work. Nothing will be handed out for free; everything has a price. Whether that price be money or time, that price will always be there. With this lesson in hand, the team worked hard to perfect the routine in time for the tournament, only a few short weeks away.
Despite the progress being made, one more setback stood between the team and the greatness we were aiming for. Only a week before the competition, two students were injured, and could not compete. The team had to be pushed further than they ever had been to make up for the loss, and we were ready to compete the morning of the tournament.
*The team won first place that day, but the trophy was hardly comparable to the lessons everyone learned, and the hard work we all put into it. Rewards are nice, but they are nothing but dull mementos when compared to personal growth and the lessons learned along the way. Every member of the team had grown as a person during the months of practice. *I look forward to practicing and competing with the team in the future; not working hard for something good, but working harder for something great.
Your introduction really made me want to keep reading because it was so unique. This essay truly showed what type of person you are. You also used great examples to describe your values instead of just listing them. Overall, great essay!
DeleteThat introduction is so you. I like how your character really shows itself through your writing, good job!
DeleteDiscuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
ReplyDeleteVery few things in life are easy. Regardless of background or status, everyone struggles with something. Struggles tend to make us stronger, but they often break us down beforehand. My biggest struggle up to this point in my life happened in my sophomore year of high school at fifteen years old. I rarely talk about this event because I find it so difficult. Tennis is my favorite sport, but it also led to my biggest hardship. After playing most of the way through a districts match, I had to forfeit just a few short games before winning. I was shaking, I couldn't breath, and I nearly passed out. This had occurred a few times previously in the season, but it had never been nearly this drastic. After many hours at the hospital, my mom and I almost left right before they came to see us. I can't help but wonder how different things would be if we would have. Everything seemed fine until a nurse told me I was going to be life-flighted to Pittsburgh for open heart surgery. I had a massive panic attack as they put several IVs in me and prepared me for the flight. Just a few short hours previous, I was nervous to have blood taken for the first time. They also told me that my mother would not be allowed to go with me, but they later decided that she could. The doctors there told me that I wasn't going to have surgery, but they had to perform many painful and exhausting tests. At roughly two in the morning, they officially admitted me to the hospital. I was released at about three o'clock the next day, but the journey didn't end there. For the next two weeks, until my next visit, I wasn't allowed to participate in any activities. This included tennis, which I had advanced to States in. This period was an extremely difficult time for me, and I was in a very dark place. I tried to stay positive, but it was simply a facade to cover up the pain I was experiencing. I will never be able to say that this experience in any way made my life better; in fact, it continues to negatively impact me daily. However, it really showed people's true colors. Several people in authoritative positions took advantage of the situation or acted lightly upon it. My doctor’s note for school was disregarded, and I was shamed for thinking I was “ more special” than other students and that “I could just do whatever I wanted.” Other members of the athletic department tried to replace me in the state tournament with the runners up from our school and refused to discuss it. Once I was cleared on the drive to States, two days after my appointment, I was finally able to breathe again. Everyone that tried to cheat me out of something I earned was wrong. I learned that I didn't need anyone negative in my life because how can I possibly make time for that with so many wonderful people around me.* The people that made everything worse were suddenly overshadowed by the people who made it better: my family and friends cared so much about my well being. I received cards from many family friends, as well, and began to feel less alone.* In today’s world of social media and self-deprecation, we seem to constantly feel alone or less than. I can honestly say from this experience: you'll never know how many people truly care about you, but once you do, you'll never forget.* I constantly do things that challenge myself so that the people around me can benefit from it. The most important things in life are the ones that make you want to try harder.*
I definitely feel that you capture the essence of this prompt. I really like your third sentence in the essay, as it reveals an important component of suffering: the part that makes one stronger. Oftentimes, we see suffering as a way to bring us down, not back up. You realized this aspect of suffering, which clearly reveals your perseverant, strong-willed character. Great job!
DeleteAs Isaac said, your response does a good job at revealing your character. It shows your resilience and refusal to let people bring you down, which is spectacular. The only thing that caught my eye was in your eighth sentence; you forgot the 'e' on the end of breathe.
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ReplyDeleteCombination of Prompts 3 and 5
ReplyDeleteThroughout the journey known as life, we tend to question everything around us: the intentions of our family and friends, the truth and that which is false, and some of our deepest held beliefs; oftentimes, however, we never receive answers to these questions. Personally, at one point, I questioned an aspect of my journey that has been a part of my daily life for the past sixteen years: my faith in God and Catholicism.
*When I entered my freshman year of high school, I came in with an open mind and soul, desiring to learn about new ideas and thoughts that would help me to understand others, both inside and outside of school. I asked questions, I became curious, and I learned.* However, with this new level of curiosity, I began to question my faith. Why is there suffering? Are science and faith compatible? Is Reconciliation required to be forgiven and attain Salvation? Do the bread and wine at Mass truly become the Body and Blood of Christ? I pondered over these questions, but could never seem to find answers.
Now, fast forward to a few days prior to Easter of 2015. I was with a friend out-of-town, and I received a call from my mom telling me that my grandma had been transported to a hospital a few hours away from home for what seemed a minor issue at the time. I enjoyed the rest of that weekend, and returned home the following day to be with family for the rest of the Easter holiday.
The following day, Easter Sunday, seemed like a typical Easter, but without the family tradition of visiting Grandma and Grandpa. However, we hadn't heard any bad news as of then, so that was truly all we could ask for.
But then, after taking a walk and spending some time with my family, we received a devastating phone call. My grandma was bleeding internally and was given twenty-four to forty-eight hours to live. I was utterly shocked. A person who I spent my young childhood with blowing bubbles, talking on the phone, putting together puzzles, and sitting on the swing was going to pass away. I didn't know what to think, do, or say (except pray). While praying, all of my fears were relieved and a sense of calm surrounded me.
We did get to visit my grandma in Erie, but this wouldn't be the last time. A few days after we visited her, after intense prayer, we found out she was treated and would be returning home. It was truly an Easter season miracle.
This one of many journeys within the overall larger journey answered so many of my questions, but indirectly. While I didn't discover how or why the sacraments revealed God’s true presence, I did discover that God is truly present in my life. *I also discovered that we all often become caught up in being the “perfect” Catholic, Christian, Republican, or Democrat. But, in reality, these are only labels that lead to further division. I don't need to conform to a certain doctrine or creed and believe the same thing as the person sitting beside me or behind me.* *In life, I just need to be the “perfect” me: an individualistic and independent thinker who seeks for answers to the questions life poses, so, in essence, a life-long learner.*
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DeleteI liked how you combined the prompts to fit your style of writing. I loved how honest you were in your struggle in your faith. I am glad your best friend was healed by the help of doctors and your prayer. Great presentation of such a scary and relieving memory.
DeleteYour introduction and conclusion really told what your story was about. I also loved your honesty and most of all strength in how you handle this extremely difficult situation. This is a great essay for college.
DeleteI have questioned my faith before too and I think this essay is awesome. I love how you said you need to be the "perfect" me. That really is all that matters. Good job!
DeleteI liked your point that you didn't have to follow doctrine and creed down to the letter to be a follower of Christ, a feeling and sentiment I share. I'm glad your grandma turned out to be okay, and I also commend you on an amazing essay!
Delete5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
ReplyDelete“The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others,” Albert Schweitzer. *I am a true believer that helping others has a greater reward than any amount of money or gift. As a young adult, I have been doing my best to be helpful and generous in my daily social life to my activities on the field or court. I did not come to this realization without the aid of my mother.
When I was eight years old, my parents got a divorce and this meant we were one set of hands down in our house. I did my best, as a child, to volunteer for any cleaning around the house. * Although I did not realize it then, I enjoyed being a helping hand for my mom because she needed it. Into my teenage years, I slowly crept away from my helping attitude and more into a selfish set of mind. In this time, my mom married my step dad, and I did not feel like it was necessary for me to continue helping. Once again, my mom changed that, but she did not mean to do so. In 2014, my brother and I were sat down and told that my mom had breast cancer. The only knowledge I had of cancer was that it meant my mom was going to be a great amount of pain. Thankfully, the only procedure necessary was a surgery that came along with a couple nights in the hospital. After her surgery, my best friend and her family drove me to Pittsburg to see her. My mom was tired and looked sick. She was not strong enough to walk to the bathroom by herself. This scared me because I thought, “How is she going to be able to do anything by herself when she comes home.” On the way home, I realized once again were down another set of hands in the house. I was older and more aware of what needed to be done at home. I washed dishes, vacuumed, dusted, and tried to cook. The only accolade I received from my mom was a simple thank you, and it felt good to be taking care of her for once. Little by little, it became a habit of mine to give myself up. At school, I became more than willing to include someone. At practice, I encouraged the younger kids to be the best they can. *I had such joy in the reward of a simple thank you or a smile.
Today, I practice my habit in sports by showing sportsmanship. Also, I help guide my friends by being with them through hard times. Lastly, at home, I continue to do chores or errands without being asked. * Without my mom, I would have never learned this sensation of fulfillment in my life. With the world full of discrimination and pain, I plan to continue my service by thinking of others in everything I do and say.
That quote really ties your whole essay together, and by the sounds of it, it embodies your mission in life, which is really special. Not many people can say that. The only thing that should be changed is the spelling of Pittsburgh. You forgot the 'h' on the end.
DeleteBeing someone who's seen the changes in you, this essay feels like a perfect explanation of your life. You did a great job explaining the trials and solutions in your life. Great job!
DeleteI love how you knew that you needed to step up to the plate after your mom's surgery. I know this must have been hard for you at such a young age. This is such a great essay that captures your struggles and how you overcame it!
DeleteI am in the process of applying to Duquesne, and there is a personal essay included in the application. The prompt is:
ReplyDeletePlease discuss the following: Tell us something unique about you, why you chose your particular major, and how you expect Duquesne University to help you achieve your academic, personal and professional goals. Please include any examples of your research, shadowing or volunteer experiences.
I think most kids my age focus on what makes them similar to their friends. We do not often think about the value of what actually sets us apart from the rest. Compared to many others, I grew up in a small town of less than 4,000, which was a very sheltered environment with little crime. Although most people are friendly and helpful, there is not much diversity or opportunity to expand your horizons. There is a blue collar mentality which values hard work, religion and sports above all else. Most kids stay within a few hours of home to go to a small rural college and quickly return to marry their high school sweetheart and settle down. Instead, I want to go to the best possible college, regardless of location, and be surrounded by a diverse group with access to a wide range of activities to find out what I want to achieve in life. It will only be through pushing my boundaries that I can really become my best self, rather than playing it safe.
I know that I am a work in progress and my desired path may change many times throughout life, but I want to stay true to the core of who I am, which is a kind, honest and hardworking person who puts faith, family and friends first. I will continue my education by learning a healthcare profession that allows me to be mentally challenged and feel fulfilled, while providing for my family and giving those opportunities for success in their lives as well. So far, my community has given me a strong foundation. I have managed to be successful at academics and sports, becoming a National Honor Society member and getting varsity letters in three sports per year while working part time jobs to save for college. I have volunteered in my church and Catholic schools all my life and earned my Lifesaving certificate from the Red Cross. This year I was one of the head lifeguards at our local pool.
I want to pursue a career in Physical Therapy. I love being physically active and feel that I can use my math and science abilities to learn what is needed to help others stay active, as well as being a kind and compassionate caregiver for my patients. I cannot imagine how hard it would be to live with physical limitations, and want to spend my career learning and practicing the latest technologies in helping others overcome their physical obstacles so that they can have the best quality of life possible. I have completed a full day job shadow at Penn Highlands Physical Therapy, and have scheduled an additional job shadow with a local Osteopath.
So far, I have learned in small schools with a traditional setting, but am I really looking forward to doing more hands on learning and spending time in the amazing labs available on campus. That is why Duquesne is such a perfect fit for me. I will have access to great technology and have lots of opportunities for internships and hours spent actually practicing what I have learned with a diverse population of patients. That way I will know if I want to specialize with athletes, children, geriatrics, or have a general practice. It is important to me to stay in a college atmosphere which will keep my faith at the center of who I am, as both a student and health practitioner.
Awesome essay, Erick! I think that the last two sentences of your first paragraph are the crux of your essay, and they really are great lines! There were a few punctuation issues here and there, but, overall, I loved it! Good luck with your application!
DeleteYour desire to push yourself to become the best you possibly can really shines through here. I like how you talk about your desire to break the mold in a place where everyone really does the same thing.
DeleteYour desire to break the Elk County close-to-home attitude is something not many people aspire to do, and it's great that you are not limiting yourself to this little corner of civilization. Few people are willing to take a risk outside of the safe area that is Elk County. That open-mindedness places you one step ahead of those who would prefer to limit themselves to this area. Keep that open-minded attitude, even if you encounter some setbacks in the years to come.
DeleteI haven't yet applied to a school that requires a bonafide essay, though that will change when I use the Common App. In the meantime, Virginia Tech, a school I am in the process of applying to, requires a short response (no more than 200 words) to one of seven prompts. The prompt I chose reads as follows:
ReplyDelete"Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it."
My Response:
If I were to choose an aspect of my life that has helped to shape my character, I would say that my long commutes to school every single day have instilled in me a quality of devotion. I live in Penfield, Pennsylvania, and attend Elk County Catholic High School in Saint Marys, Pennsylvania, which is about 30 miles away from my home. Living 45 minutes from school is a challenge, especially during the winter, when I have to cope with lake-effect snow and Pennsylvania's infamously terrible roads. However, it is my desire to get the best education I can get that has motivated me to make the long trek to school on a daily basis. I don't mind traveling long distances to get a better education, and it is this devotion to becoming the best person I can become that has helped to shape my character.
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ReplyDeletePrompt 2
ReplyDelete*All my life, I try to overcome each obstacle that I face in the best way I can. When I was fourteen years old, I found out that I needed a major back surgery. It was for my scoliosis to fuse my spine. This happened two days before my birthday. My mother, father, and I scheduled the surgery for early May. It was my eighth grade year and I was extremely frightened. My mom soon realized that I would not be able to enjoy the field trip to Washington, D.C., my class’s matriculation, and most of all, my summer. We moved the surgery date to early July which gave me all of the things I wanted. My family and I had a very memorable summer. We went to New York City, many baseball games, and I still went to swim practice. Soon, I realized that I was not going to be able to enjoy my freshman year of swim season. This was just one of many obstacles I would face this year. The surgery date game up and my family took me to Sky Zone for one last fun trip. The next day, I went to a Pirates baseball game with my parents and prepared to have my surgery the next day. I was so scared. I do not quite remember the day of my surgery, just that it took a long time. I woke up and I was still scared, but my parent stayed in the hospital with me for four days. They missed work, but my brother and sisters helped them. Also, my aunt, her family, and my brother and sisters came to visit me. Soon I was able to go home, where my family made me a nice place to sleep. Through this challenge, I had the best support system. Some people from my swim team came to visit me and I was ready to go to school the next month. I was hard to get used to because I could not carry my books. I missed the volleyball season, but I as able to join the swim team and start it in January. My coaches were extremely supportive of me and helped me every step of the way. Everyone knew that swimming is important to me. *I have been swimming since I was eight years old. Now, I am sitting here to years later playing volleyball and getting ready for swim season. *I also am helping out my friend who have recently had this procedure and another friend who will be having it shortly. *I am so proud of my progress and I can see it in my mom’s and dad’s eyes. I can also tell the my coaches are proud of all the hard work I have put into sports to get better and make up for my freshman year. Most of all, I I could not have done this without my mom. She has been there for my all day everyday. When I was at my weakest, she made me strong. My family means everything to me, and I cannot thank her enough for the sacrifices they have made for me.
This is such a touching essay. It really hit me right in the feels. I love that your family is what means most to you. Great job!
Delete3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
ReplyDeleteGrowing up I never thought I would have to question my faith. I always thought it was just cemented there and would hold me together. As I started getting older I often questioned the existence of a God and the point of the church teachings. At one point I really questioned if I even needed God. I would wonder, "Is there really an afterlife?" My faith came alive again just a few years ago when I learned the news that my mother was pregnant with my future sister. Now at first it didn't change my beliefs, but at the end of her pregnancy was when it began. My mom was induced into labor on August 18. Just as she was about to have my sister Myah her placenta ruptured. This meant that she was bleeding out, and at a very fast pace. She was rushed into an emergency c-section and Myah was delivered. My mom was in a very critical state because she had lost a little over half the blood in her body. We weren't really sure if she was going to make it. I realized then that faith and hope really did matter in that moment. I prayed hard and thought so much, and later that day they said that my mom would be okay and that she was lucky. I realized that this was an act of God. I knew at that moment that he was present in my life. After this situation I thought even further back in my life to when my mom was involved in a snow mobile accident. She had a hole in her intestine and was rushed to Pittsburgh and needed surgery. Once again she made it out of a near death experience. Thinking back on that it made me realize that God didn't save my mom just once but twice in my life. It really opened up my faith to new meanings and made me a much better person as a result.
I really like the topic of the essay because not many people go through something like that and it's hard to go through such tough times. This also shows people how strong your beliefs are now and how you can go to God for your help. Good job!
DeletePrompt #2:
ReplyDelete"But it ain't about how hard you hit, it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward." These words have affected me in many ways since the day I heard them come from the mouth of Rocky Balboa. From them, I learned that without failure, there would be no success. When asked about my greatest setback, my mind goes back to a time that I don't really like to think about. I was in sixth grade at the time, and ended up in the hospital one night because I was extremely sick. After already being terrified and starting to feel even worse, I was informed that I would have to be life-flighted to Pittsburgh Children's hospital. Even though the doctors were making a mistake, and I really didn't need it, my young and naive mind thought for the worse. And in that moment, I asked myself if I were to die, was I proud of the life I lived. And sadly the answer was no. So, from that moment, I made myself a promise that if I were to walk away from this, I would truly live life without any regrets. Though that was the worst day of my life, it was also the reason why I can live everyday like it's the best day of my life. Sometimes setbacks such as this can be a much needed eye opener. Because of that day, I went from someone who didn't eat healthy, didn't get any exercise, sat inside all day, and didn't live up to the potential they knew they could, to a fitness junky who works out every day, eats right, plays sports, enjoys the outdoors every chance he can get, and is truly happy with his life. What I'm trying to say is that I may have taken a big hit, but that doesn't matter. What matters is how I took that hit, and kept moving forward.
That essay, the quote in particular, is a lesson everyone should learn. It is so important to becoming a functional human being. Some people today are going through life thinking that everything will be handed to them, a destructive belief that should not persist. People must work for what they need, and sometimes the work they do will not put them on top.
DeleteI'm very glad to hear of your turn around. Although I have never gone through anything like that, I can imagine how hard it must have been. You are truly strong for working your way through these tribulations and troubles.
DeleteThis essay like makes me want to hug for overcoming something like that. When I found out I had a tumor that was my questioning and now I'm doing as much as I can because I want to have a fun filled life. I'm sure many other can relate to this topic as well. Great job!
DeletePrompt 1:
ReplyDeleteAll through my life, I've been captivated by nature, amazed at how something so beautiful is seemingly so abundant. Oftentimes, you have to search around through a bunch of rubble to find the so called “diamond in the rough,” but nature supplies diamonds in every leaf, if you czn just see them.
My fascination began at an early age. Being part of Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and also living with a very outdoorsy father, I was in the woods, fields, or just outside in general a large portion of the time. One thing my dad did do to deepen my appreciation is when we would take walks through the woods, he'd stop and rest for a bit and point out the different trees and the uses, the different leaves and creatures scurrying about. He would make sure I and my siblings appreciated what is around us. Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts also taught me a similar lesson. I learned to use nature, not abuse it. I learned that sustained misuse of the world around me only ruins it for me and everyone else. Both these things also gave me excellent experiences in nature, making me subconsciously like it more —not that I am complaining—.
My love for nature deepened when I was around 14 or 15. I developed a view that might be called utilitarian. After watching many survival shows on television and participating in mock survival excursions myself —building a shelter and sleeping in it— I began to realize that using the woods and what nature supplies you is not a bad thing. It is just like using any other natural resource, but I learned a profound respect for what is around me, God’s creation. I knew that I could not go around willy nilly and break off branches and cut down trees —green wood does not burn well anyway—.
Overall, we as humans are given a certain amounts of nature, forest, meadowlands and other natural formations. If we continue to put concrete over them to facilitate our industrial lust and gluttony, what is the point of even having this Earth? Then it does not really even qualify as Earth. Just “Dilapidated Ruined Concrete Planet” would serve nicely in that case, though it may be a bit wordy for the young kids in school.