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Planet Now
Blog on Effective Environmental Communication
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“Water bug” was my nickname when I was little. I love spending time in or by the water, whether by an ocean, sound, lake, or pool. In high school, I developed a love for kayaking when some relatives let me use their kayaks by the Bogue Sound. I find that spending time on the water with new scenery makes me feel rejuvenated and motivated to continue caring for the environment to conserve and improve our natural surroundings. During the end of my senior year, I found out that UNC has a relatively new sailing club. I knew it was something I wanted to pursue. Moving from undergrad to grad school this year gave me a chance to switch up some of my extracurricular activities (since some were just for undergrads) and try something different. I was so excited to explore a new way to spend time on the water! First, I attended a couple clinics that the experienced members of the sailing club taught to the students looking to try a new hobby. It was interesting to learn the parts of the sailboat, some basic knots, how to adjust the sails, and how to steer the boat. After attending clinics, I have been able to attend “Friday Fun Sails” to practice sailing at Jordan Lake. Mostly, I have been a crew member adjusting the sails, and it has also been exciting to try out steering as a skipper a couple times. I recently went sailing on a particularly windy afternoon and got the closest I’d been to capsizing. The other two sailors and I were getting ready to turn around when the wind suddenly strengthened. The boat tilted on its side as we desperately tried to adjust the sails and shift our weight. Fortunately, we were able to get steady. Once we were safe, I realized it had been fun to have an adrenaline rush. While some other members of the club enjoy capsizing and have even intentionally capsized, I’m certainly glad my boat did not capsize this time since just dipping my hand in the water was chilly. Following our near-capsize, we sailed towards shore while watching the gorgeous lavender sunset.
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Newsflash: the news has not been great lately. (Is it ever?) The heartbreaking Russian invasion of Ukraine has already caused two million people to flee the country. Even while COVID-19 case numbers decline, the virus continues to take some lives. Also, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a report on February 28 that said the world has a narrow window of time to avoid further climate disasters that displace people from their homes and limit food and water. When I read and hear these stories, I feel sad and overwhelmed, which makes me struggle to focus on environmental advocacy. How does it make you feel? Spending time outdoors makes me feel better, and it could help you if you also feel upset about current crises. Now, in no way am I suggesting that we ignore all of these problems. Rather, we must take time to recharge our personal batteries so we have the energy and motivation to advocate for causes important to us. I want to share some of my favorite outdoor spots and what I love about them! Bogue Sound of North Carolina My family visits Bogue Sound every year. It is near Emerald Isle and about a three-hour drive from my home in Apex. The calm water is perfect for kayaking and swimming. The occasional speedboat brings fun waves to ride. Sometimes I kayak to the tiny islands in the center of the sound so I can look at the seashells and wildlife. I have spotted stingrays, crabs, and even dolphins while kayaking. I also like to sit on the pier of the house we stay at and observe the water. Unfortunately, Hurricane Florence, which climate change likely intensified, destroyed the pier in 2018 (it has been rebuilt). Also, my parents and grandparents have observed the water darken from pollution over the past few decades. Every time I visit the water, I fall in love with it again and also remember the importance of protecting the environment so people can enjoy places like Bogue Sound for a long time. Coker Arboretum in Chapel Hill, North Carolina Coker Arboretum is a peaceful oasis for finding quiet and solitude on the bustling campus of UNC-Chapel Hill. Its scenery changes with the seasons. Visitors can walk the paths and sit on the benches. It is easily accessible for most members of the UNC community. Having green space, or areas with vegetation, in communities helps mental health. People may not have to go far to find places to recharge. Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina Visiting the mountains can be a reminder that the world is large, making people’s worries seem small in comparison. The blue ridge is an iconic aspect of these mountains, as their name suggests. They are a great place for hiking, reading, and spending time with family. Recharging does not mean people have to be alone! Spending time outside reminds me that we live on a beautiful planet and motivates me to protect it. Practicing gratitude by remembering why I love these places also helps me develop a positive mindset and remember that we can take steps to help the earth and have some control over the future. As spring break approaches for many of you, I hope you can enjoy the outdoors. Where do you like to go to spend time outside? Comment below or send me an email! |
Welcome to my blog! It is a combination of posts from my strategic writing (spring 2022) and personal branding (spring 2023) courses at UNC. I hope you will enjoy reading the posts and learning about the environment and communication.
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