During my time in colloquium, we have been to many different field trips and have a read a lot of stories. These stories have included a third generation family and their life in Florida, to many small sections of stories about author’s ways to better the world. In all of the field trips we took this year, two of them stood out to me the most. The first one would have to be Estero Island. Here we received the chance to look at the history of Estero Island and met a native to the area. Arriving to the Estero Island Cottage, I was completely surprised but excited at the same time. Inside her home was so much history of Estero Island and the life that was surrounding it; this history buff was freaking out. The cottage was built back in the 1920’s and even survived that vicious hurricane in 1926. The sights and sounds really stood out to me, from feeling the breeze of the ocean and seeing the many different lives in this area. We encountered many sea grape trees, different types of fish, and all three mangroves, black, white, and red. The thing that really made this trip my favorite was the fact that I got to try something new that I actually enjoyed eating. Her sea grape jam was so good, and the passion and care she gave to us really made this trip feel fun and comfortable. The second trip that I really enjoyed was our wet walk around FGCU. It was very interesting to see that we have all this life at FGCU. The trip was very unique and fun and it really kept my attention the whole time. Even thought it was rainy and cold outside that day, our tour guide helped get us even more wet and dirty and really let us experience what exactly a wet walk should be. I am a third generation Tampa, Florida native, I am from a busy town with malls, University’s, and professional sport teams. The city of Tampa is very different from the city of Fort Myers and because of the colloquium class, I could now see why it is so important to save the land that is necessary. I do not want Fort Myers to become another Tampa because I am not sure what we have preserved up there. Down here in Fort Myers we are making strides to protect the land and the animals that live on it. All in all, the trips may not have affected my sense of place but this class has opened my eyes on how to better the future of this world and make it safe for my children and grandchildren.

The small cottage on Estero Island

http://www.fortmyersbeachfl.gov/images/pages/N305//HAC%20brochure%20photos%20designated%20sites%20007.jpg

 Tried making it smaller but it wouldn't work. But here is Matt and I on the wet walk around FGCU