Journal Entry 10: Final Impressions

     I enjoyed University Colloquium, and think it is important. I think it must be understood that is important not just for people who love the environment, but for all people and continuation of resources that drive humanity, and business. I think some of the writings in the University Colloquium book were very biased, and contend very little factual information. I felt like several of the readings in that book were mostly peoples opinion, reflecting more of a blog entry, than a college level essay. It makes you not take the readings as seriously when they are so opinionated, and one-sided. Several of the readings in the University Colloquium green-colored book were very biased, one-sided, and extremely opinionated. This makes you not take them as seriously, and it almost makes people pick sides. Many people pick sides, they are for the environment, or they are for development and business. What I think University Colloquium could better address is that sustainability, and even the environment are relative, and necessary for the continuation of successful business. I think this university course should incorporate many other aspects, such as the business aspect, or political aspect since it is a course required for all majors, not just people interested in the environment. I think the notion that you are either a "tree-hugger" or you want to pretty much destroy the environment and build something should be dismissed. You can easily be supportive of the environment, and support development. In fact, development and business should be conscious of the environment, and sustainability. Also, environmental groups should also be conscious of the business aspect of things, and the importance of successful economies which can provide more resources for a wide variety of tasks. The field trips were fun, however the swamp trip was a little "thick," and you can easily roll your ankle pretty bad on all the sunken stomps underwater, and I think issues like that are more overlooked, because people are more worried about a gator, or snake. However, the people next semester must walk through the swamp. Everybody should walk through the swamp, including all the professors, administration, board members, and president. Everybody should have to walk through it and get their own opinion, and perspective on it. At least all the students for the next few semesters, but I think the president should do the same swamp trek at least once when the swamp is pretty thick, and should endure the full trip and make up his own mind, perspective, and opinion. I'd like to know what everyone else thinks, but I think the staff, administrators, board members, and president should have to take the walk through the swamp the same way as the University Colloquium FGCU swamp tour once at least in their career to better understand their local environment, ecosystem, and since it is a requirement. They should also evaluate the safety issues themselves and what they think.