“Running wild, and running free. Two kids, you and me.”
Restoring Connections is a program that has turned into a second home for me. I cannot begin to wrap my head around the idea that six students from the University of Oregon created a program that is so rich in environmental education and has become the stepping-stones for a six-year program that will launch in the following years. The Environmental Leadership Program was something I had not heard of before six months ago. I am a geology student, and I heard about this program in passing. I have desired to become a teacher for years, even entering into the University of Oregon as a Pre-Education major before switching to geology. What I will take away from this program is irreplaceable. Not only can I feel assured I have made an impact on students, but as a leader I can reflect on how much I have grown.
I will never forget my moments with students one on one, the students who have never been able to experience Mt. Pisgah as some of the others have. Throughout the different classes we taught, there were multiple students who have family situations that prevent them from having the freedom to explore the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. I remember how it felt to bring smiles and laughter to the student’s faces throughout the term, as well as gaining the confidence needed to facilitate an all day field trip with ease. Reflecting back, I remember how nervous I was to get up in front of a class, to speak out in front of peers and share my opinions with confidence. Teaching in the field came with nerves as well, but throughout the term our skills as facilitators grew immensely. I know that I can take everything I have learned from the Environmental Leadership Program into my future careers, and I will forever be grateful for this wondrous opportunity.
What I love about environmental education is that it gives room to adapt to every student’s needs and does not discriminate when we are unique in our learning styles. Restoring Connections is a program that will continue to build students knowledge throughout their elementary years. Starting in kindergarten, the field trips begin and will continue through fifth grade. Each grade studies a different habitat. In 2015, the first and second grade programs launched. First grade studies pollination and explores the oak savanna habitat while second grade studies camouflage and explores the Douglas-fir habitat. Reflecting back on the year, I know that we have made a daring start into this program, and I am ecstatic to be apart of the solution of unplugging and reconnecting our children back into our natural world.
I will never forget my moments with students one on one, the students who have never been able to experience Mt. Pisgah as some of the others have. Throughout the different classes we taught, there were multiple students who have family situations that prevent them from having the freedom to explore the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. I remember how it felt to bring smiles and laughter to the student’s faces throughout the term, as well as gaining the confidence needed to facilitate an all day field trip with ease. Reflecting back, I remember how nervous I was to get up in front of a class, to speak out in front of peers and share my opinions with confidence. Teaching in the field came with nerves as well, but throughout the term our skills as facilitators grew immensely. I know that I can take everything I have learned from the Environmental Leadership Program into my future careers, and I will forever be grateful for this wondrous opportunity.
What I love about environmental education is that it gives room to adapt to every student’s needs and does not discriminate when we are unique in our learning styles. Restoring Connections is a program that will continue to build students knowledge throughout their elementary years. Starting in kindergarten, the field trips begin and will continue through fifth grade. Each grade studies a different habitat. In 2015, the first and second grade programs launched. First grade studies pollination and explores the oak savanna habitat while second grade studies camouflage and explores the Douglas-fir habitat. Reflecting back on the year, I know that we have made a daring start into this program, and I am ecstatic to be apart of the solution of unplugging and reconnecting our children back into our natural world.