Schmeekle Final

Overall, I've had a pretty good experience with the service learning project this semester. I was happy with our decision to volunteer in Schmeekle because it gave us a chance to get outside and interact with nature. I wish I could have done something a little more interactive with people, but due to scheduling conflicts with me and my partner Lauren as well as lack of transportation, we had to make due with a project right here on campus. At first, I wasn't too crazy about having to do a service learning project, even through the first couple of weeks. Because the weather was so uncooperative, we just didn't like the idea of going outside. But as it got nicer out and we actually set up a work schedule with Schmeekle, it was a lot less of a hassle and more fun to go out and walk the trails to pick up litter. I was completely amazed by how much litter there actually was throughout the reserve, and it made me realize just how much of a problem it is. Especially after our class trip to Schmeekle, I developed a greater respect for the plant and animal life out there that may suffer because of pollution caused by people being careless. I am very happy with our efforts because a lot of people use Schmeekle, and no one wants to see garbage everywhere they turn when they go out there to enjoy some time with nature. Now, I am much more conscious of myself and throwing away my own garbage as well as encouraging others not to litter. I notice it around campus more often as well. This project has given me the opportunity to make a difference in the community, which was something new for me because I had never really done much community service in the past. It was fun to do something outside of the classroom as well, because the conventional method of lectures and labs gets a little repetitive at times. I also enjoyed spending extra time with people outside of class because it gave me a chance to get to know Lauren in a more casual setting. It was also fun to see how the environment adapted to the changing seasons, from winter to spring. It's amazing how much nicer everything looked once the snow melted, puddles dried up, and flowers/vegetation started springing up. Overall, it's been fun and I've learned a lot!