Reflections - Blog Prompt #7

My experience in this Nature and Environmental Writing class has been life-changing, to say the least. It has certainly been one of the best classes I've ever taken. It has not changed much about my relationship to nature, merely the ways in which I go about expressing it, approaching it. But it has certainly been profound.

I have loved this blog. I have loved the excuse to get out of my apartment and really experience-- in-depth-- a part of the city which I might otherwise have cast aside. I have loved the opportunity to create a new home for myself, something I was unable to do in the past two years until now, when this blog helped me give fully to that commitment. I have loved the words and emotions this blog has generated from within me.

I have learned a lot about myself and my relationship with nature. For one, I realized that childlike intensity is still inside my heart and mind. I can bring it forth, delve into that mindset, with the right environment. I have realized that I got burnt-out on nature. I liken it to working in a doughnut shop. The longer you work there, the more likely you are to start hating doughnuts (hard as that may be to process!). I have worked outside for most of my adult life, and I just stopped seeing it, experiencing it, relishing in it, at least completely consciously. While I always enjoyed it, I rarely focused on that. This class has given me a chance to express a lot which has been supressed within me.

I have also learned that, yes, I am a nature writer. I remember receiving word that I had been accepted to Chatham's MFA program. I wondered, for a brief, insecure moment, how ithad happened. How did I get into a program which focuses on place-based, nature and environmental writing? I brushed it aside, but never really answered that for myself until this semester, what with putting together my thesis and taking this class. Now I know. I am a nature writer!

I have also learned how to approach nature, a place, on the terms of a writer. I have had the luxury of getting to know an unfamiliar place, of discovering its quirks as it has allowed me. Now, I remember the quirks of South Carolina. I want to go home, to see it from a fresh perspective. I want to see and know every place in the world in the same way I've been able to see and know Homewood Cemetery here.

I have also learned that my colleagues (including you, Mel!) are incredible. Their writing and discussion comments have been inspiring. They have pushed me to see differently than what I might see myself. They have pushed me to reconsider and rethink my own views, whether to reinforce them or to alter them. They have listened to me and allowed me to open up, supported me and nurtured me, allowed me to grow in all the ways I most needed at this important juncture of academia and Life.

And finally, I have learned that this is indeed what I love. This discussion, this writing, these readings have been some of the best I've had in graduate school. As if I needed it, my passion has been solidified.

I am not sure if I will keep this blog going. I would like to, as it has been invaluable. But I know myself, and I may not be able to keep up. If I do, I might move it to a different platform, and I will certainly open it up to more than just these few perspectives, ideas, and issues. It will encompass all of me.

Frankly, this is the class of the semester which makes me mourn my graduation. I'm going to miss it so much. I have loved it beyond these pitiful words. Thank you all for everything you have done for me and brought forth from me. I will truly never forget!