Imagine having the opportunity to venture out into your own backyard and get lost in the beautiful and captivating sights and sounds of nature. Luckily for the students of Florida Gulf Coast University, we are allowed this opportunity everyday. To those who may not be aware, FGCU is build around hundreds of acres of preserved land. During my time choosing a university, the gorgeous sights and close relationship to the students and nature was what set FGCU off the edge for me.
It wasn’t until I enrolled in Colloquium that I finally explored the nature trails. Ever since I was a little girl, I was always looking for new and unusual places to explore and get lost in. One of my favorite parts of the day was the moment of silence taken to listen and connect with nature on a personal level.
“Nature is the arena of shared enjoyment, an equalizer in the adventure of discovery.” – Rachel Carson, The Sense of Wonder
Once I stepped into the trails, it was unlike anything I have ever experienced. I will be honest in saying that the water in my shoes was not a pleasant feeling, but the nature around us was worth the knee deep trek into the water.
“It is a wholesome and necessary thing for us to turn again to the earth and in the contemplation of her beauties to know the sense of wonder and humility.” ― Rachel Carson, The Sense of Wonder
Despite what I believed I would experience, the water was cool and the air felt as though it had dropped ten degrees. The trees created the perfect cover from the sun and the heat I was dreading did not join us on the trails. Its calm atmosphere brought the whole class together and taught us to think as a team. It was an experience that I as a student of FCCU will share throughout my life and cherish forever.
Reagen's Walk Into Nature 