Graduate Student - Institute of Global Education
Today’s Date: 02-24-08
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Several: Baby octopus got attached to my cheek at the age of 7 and initiated me into the underwater world of wonder; interacted in the Atlantic Ocean for a week with wild bottlenose dolphins and it blew all my senses and made me have a transcendental experience and a physical healing; swam with large wild turtles at Buck Island in the U.S.V.I.; went to school in the ruins of a cotton plantation at an experimental school called Tamarind, in the rainforest, waterfall instead of swimming pool, conch shell in place of a bell, vines to swing on instead of metal swing sets. My formative years were spent growing up wild - literally.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The Baths in Virgin Gorda, B.V.I. and Fredericksted's local park with the large collection of Banyan trees that we could play in.
Now? Mesa Verde in Colorado, the Cliff face steps and paths and the large Gorge of Taos N.M.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
I have four; hummingbirds because they are a phenomena; dolphins due to their habitat and playful lifestyle; large cats because they are fiercely independent and the Praying Mantis (even though these are insects) as they are regal and they fascinate me.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
The sustainability of fresh water, clean breathable air, uncontaminated soil and the denial/lethargy that so many still suffer from - And in the future, the Sun's role in Earth's rise in temperature coupled with a slow response from decision makers in positions of power as to the need for immediate action in the areas we CAN make a difference in.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Wake up, natural resources don't replenish themselves so do the research and BE the change.
Be the change. Indeed.
ReplyDeleteHow often we forget that we are all connected. I'll never forget the book, "The secret Life of Plants." Each daily act of ours affects all of us, the animals, the air and the water. I would hate if if the Praying Mantis were gone and I,YoungBlood was still here. Yes, Be the change.