Fostering a Blog

  Before the Flood  Reaction Watching Before the Flood showed just how serious climate change has become and how much the Earth is changing because of it. The film follows Leonardo DiCaprio as he travels around the world, visiting places already impacted by rising temperatures, deforestation, and pollution. Seeing these changes firsthand made the issue feel more real compared to just reading about it or seeing statistics. It reinforced how climate change isn’t just a future problem—it’s happening now. One of the biggest takeaways for me was how much human activity has shaped the environment. In class, we’ve discussed how urban expansion and industrialization continue to replace natural spaces, and this documentary showed exactly that. Cities keep growing, forests are being cleared, and pollution is increasing, all leading to a cycle that speeds up climate change. The film made me think about how much we take from the environment without considering long-term consequences. Ano...

Lazy Saturday Baseball has always been a sport that blends perfectly with nature. The crisp air, the warmth of the sun cutting through a slight breeze, and the endless blue sky stretching above the field—it all adds to the experience. Sitting in the stands, watching the game unfold, there's a certain rhythm to it, one that matches the movement of the world around it. The sound of the wind rustling through the trees beyond the outfield fence, the smell of fresh grass, and the occasional chirp of birds soaring above all create an atmosphere that feels both lively and peaceful. Of course, baseball season also means allergy season, and that’s the one downside. The moment spring rolls in, the air is thick with pollen, and I can feel it before I even step foot in the stadium. But even with watery eyes and the occasional sneeze, there’s still something about being here that makes it all worth it. The sun shining down, the smell of the dirt on the infield, and the natural energy of the gam...

Preferred Method of Transportation Skateboarding around campus has always been more than just a way to get from point A to point B—it's my way of enjoying the weather, soaking in nature, and feeling a little more connected to everything around me. The wind rushes past as I carve down a smooth path, weaving through campus and letting the world around me become part of the ride. The trees, some towering and casting long shadows, others smaller but bursting with color, change with the seasons, making each skate feel slightly different. The plants lining the walkways, from deep green ivy to flashes of purple flowers, add to the landscape, shaping the environment in ways most people don’t even notice. And then there are the animals—always around if you know where to look. Barking dogs from nearby houses break up the quiet as they chase after anything that moves. Stray cats dart across narrow streets or sit perched, watching everything with a lazy curiosity. The squirrels, of course, are...

  Skipping Class This photo perfectly captures the essence of my visit to Austin for the TCU Sales Center site visits. Standing atop the Oracle office building, I had a panoramic view of the city stretching out before me—towering skyscrapers, the winding river (or lake, still not sure), and the unmistakable energy of a place where work and nature blend seamlessly. One of the things that stood out the most about this trip was how deeply connected the city is to the outdoors. Many of the companies we visited emphasized work-life balance, with one even encouraging employees to go stand-up paddleboarding during their breaks. It was a small but telling detail that showed how much the natural environment is integrated into daily life here. The trails surrounding the office were another reminder of that balance. It felt like a place where you could step away from your desk, take a deep breath, and just exist for a moment in the open air. Sitting up here, looking out over the skyline with ...

  Nature Center First Visit Spending the day at the Fort Worth Nature Reserve, I found myself completely immersed in the wildlife around me. The animals here move with a quiet purpose, undisturbed by the rush of city life. The first thing that caught my attention was the baby alligator—held carefully, its snout secured with tape. It had the classic, almost prehistoric look of something that hasn't changed much for millions of years. Despite its small size, you could tell it had the potential to grow into something powerful. Seeing it up close was surreal—its tough, textured skin and piercing eyes making it feel like a tiny, living relic of the past. Moving through the reserve, I came across the bison, massive and steady, grazing behind the fence. They looked both calm and commanding, their thick fur ruffling in the light breeze. It was easy to imagine what this land looked like centuries ago when herds of bison roamed freely across the plains. Something about watching them move slo...

Nature in the Fort           Throughout my days at TCU, I often wonder what all the animals are up to, especially on a day like today. It was ridiculously hot, and if I could have, I would’ve snapped a picture of my favorite TCU animal—our unofficial second mascot—the squirrel. They dart around, burying acorns and nuts, and love to terrorize students by running way too close or cutting in front of them as they rush to class. These images reflect my walk home after a long day, taking in the surroundings and appreciating the simple things—like the way the sunlight shines through the trees, casting a soft shadow on a freshly planted TCU-purple flower. As I pass the bricks engraved with names and Greek letters, I always find myself glancing down, hoping I’ll recognize one. More often, though, I end up getting caught up in the plants around me—the way their leaves (or lack of leaves) create patterns that catch the eye. The Mexican Feathergrass sways in the breez...