We asked students from our last class what advice they would give future students on how to get the most out of this course.
Student 1
I think the main thing I would want to tell future students is to really lean into this course. Though some of the topics/exercises/activities might be new to you, they are worth embracing and exploring. It is normal to feel slightly uncomfortable or out of your comfort zone because of the depth and meaning of the topics discussed, but don't let this scare you off. Discomfort is a part of the learning and unlearning process... but remember that you are never forced to participate if you do not want to! This class is a great opportunity to engage with other like-minded individuals who are passionate about the natural world. To receive the full benefits of the course, I suggest engaging in every sit-spot opportunity, reading all of the materials, and putting your all into the blogs each week. Doing each of these things help to reinforce your learning and engage in meaningful discourse with classmates later. Lean into your relationship with nature AND lean into your relationship with the others in the class and it will be incredibly rewarding!
Student 2
I think the most important thing needed to make the most of the course is to go in with an open mind and embrace all of the new concepts and practices you may encounter. Going into the class I had no clue what to expect, but once I was in that setting with the amazing group of people we had in class, I was all in. In regards to grades, all you can do is set aside enough time to really go through the readings and respond with some thought. I never found it that difficult to put together a long enough response because there was so much information to pull from: the past class, sit spot experiences, and the readings. Be honest with yourself and I found that stream of consciousness writing helps to uncover a lot of what you're thinking and what resonated with you most, more so than planning out what you will say and constructing an essay based on that. I found the projects very beneficial since they gave us the opportunity to lead and explore topics that we wanted to explore (student-led classes, running retreat, how to use the final exam block). It was an amazing class and an experience I was honored to be a part of, so really embrace it and don't shut anything out because it seems weird or childish, because those are the things that you'll remember the most and learn the most from.
Student 3
My biggest advice is to be honest and open-minded. Being honest means allowing yourself to be vulnerable, not just to others but even with yourself. If you are struggling with anything, or grappling with anything, dig deeper into that feeling, write about it, but be sure to also share with your classmates and Professors especially, as they are here to support you! Being open-minded means paying attention fully to perspectives that are different and even opposing from your own, and challenging yourself to find ways to agree or link them with your own.
Student 3
For future students, to make the most out of this class, you must fully commit to the experience with an open mind. In the beginning of the semester, I was unsure how this class would unfold as I have never taken anything quite like it before, but I learned the best way to move forward with the class was to really be present. This isn't a standard classroom setting with PowerPoints and lectures and tests and quizzes, this is a discussion, experience, and practice-based class. I think this is what made the class more meaningful- its great difference from the standard classes UVA students will take. That being said, I found that I got the most out of this experience when I really listened, engaged, and participated. You can't just 'get by' in this class being silent- it is very hard to be quiet in this class as you find yourself overcome by the pull to share. I am usually very quiet in classroom settings as I find myself more of a listener, but in this class, I could feel myself open up and want to contribute to the conversation. In terms of grades, my best advice is to do all of the readings and contribute meaningful reflections and responses to blog posts and in-class discussions. Participation is key. Without it, you will not get as great benefit from this class. To make the most out of this class, put your trust in the professors as they will create an experience like no other.
Student 5
Give yourself into the class, fully and authentically, from the very beginning. I personally tend to have a long social incubation period before feeling comfortable in a group setting, but with this class, it came swiftly and comfortably because of how welcoming my peers were. My advice is to give into that. Especially during the first Wildrock trip, it is so valuable for your class to be open to becoming a community as soon as you can. The relationships you build with each other (your peers and Dorothe and Carolyn) are what makes this a beautiful class, so commit to cultivating that community. And if you do that, the learning and growing and bonding will come naturally!
Student 6
I would advise students to enter the course with an idea that you are going to contribute to the group-and that you have valuable things to contribute- but also that you are going to gain so much from your peers and professors. I believe fully committing to practices with an open mind will make everything more meaningful and joyful. If you come to class, practices, and field trips with a curious mind and also a bit of excitement, you will come out of the experiences with so many moments to treasure. As for more professional advice, I would advise to truly challenge yourself into contributing to discussions as much as possible. Ask questions you have always wanted to ask, and be willing to be questioned as well. It is imperative to not only complete the readings, but to really digest them in your reflections and to have thoughts to share in person as well. There is so much to learn and devoting time and meaning to one’s reflections and in class discussions will come easily with the fascinating material!
Student 7
To make the most out of this course, I would advise students to not worry about their grade and instead just focus on actually learning for the sake of learning, because then the process becomes much more enjoyable and less stressful. I would also advise them to try to form relationships with their peers as early in the semester as possible. I loved the concept of our "library" and found it a great source for conversation starters with people in the class who I hadn't already connected with.
Student 8
What it takes to get an A: showing up, staying engaged and open-minded, and being dedicated to learning not just from the teachers, but also from the rest of the class is super important!
Student 9
This course is like no other I’ve taken at UVA. On my first day of class I did not have any expectations and many of the first weeks’ concepts were foreign to my then undefined natural connection. I absorbed information from listening to my peers, investing myself in all activities/ readings, and committing to the goals we established promoted by the blogs (i.e. holding space, nature connection themes, verbiage shifts). For future students considering this course, it is up to the individual to navigate a path of connection that deepens their natural knowing. There is not a ‘correct’ or defined way to learn in this class and though that may seem daunting in the first few weeks, you will become comfortable with the unknown and it may spark your curiosity and lead you down a path you never expected. The themes discussed in this class relate to nature connection but translate beyond and sustain growth within the individual. I noticed a consciousness shift formed over the semester that made me a better listener, communicator, and teacher. I truly believe this course if valuable to all who select it because there is so much to gain from deep thought, reflection, and meaningful/ engaging conversation.
If you are open to engaging with others and the natural world your grade will reflect your commitment. You do not have to know anything about the song or science of nature but you will learn and realize your intrinsic connectedness throughout the semester and beyond.
Student 10
While taking ETP 3500: Nature Connection with Dorothe and Carolyn, I can confidently say that I became a better person because I fully opened myself up to the unique experiences that they provided us with. My greatest piece of advice to you is to allow your heart, mind, and soul to grasp every idea and concept you are introduced to with as much curiosity as possible! Don't feed into any thoughts or naysayers that may tell you what you're doing is "crazy" or "useless"; What you are going to be doing in this class will change your life for the better, or at least your semester, if you let it. This applies to growing academically (ex. earning a high grade) and personally (ex. better mental health), so don't hold yourself back! Lastly, receive all of the love that Dorothe and Carolyn give you during the semester, it will help you tremendously. It definitely helped me knowing that I had an amazing support system ready to care for me whenever I needed it. Good luck and I wish you all the best in your nature connection journey!
Student 11
ETP 3500: Nature Connectedness is a class that can change your entire worldview and transform your mental and physical health if you truly engage and practice the material provided. Here are some quick tips about the course that I hope you will take to heart:
I cannot stress enough how important it is to read the weekly readings outside or listen to the podcasts provided while going on a short walk. I understand that weather is sometimes an issue, but make this a priority as much as you make going to the gym or eating healthy a priority in your life. There are many comfortable places on grounds to study outside.
For the inward and outward journey project, pick something that you find genuinely interesting and helps you spend more time outdoors. I chose the inward journey and I chose a topic that I looked forward to doing every week for a couple of hours and it helped me destress and learn more about my community. I also encourage you to write your reflections for the inward journey by hand as it prevents you from looking at a screen for hours on end (which isn’t good for your sleep). Help yourself transform your project into something you can look back on as a moment of individual or communal growth.
Lastly, at the beginning of the course, make sure to remind fellow students that small group discussions are a place of learning and mutual respect. Discussions are not a competition about who is right or wrong, but rather a time for being vulnerable and giving others a chance to express their views, regardless if you agree or disagree with their perspectives. Give space for others to speak who might be less comfortable talking in front of others. You might learn something new. Tell them they are important and that their opinions matter. Make strong efforts to learn about everyone in the class. You never know, you might make a new friend.
Student 12
The best advice I can give is that this is a class where you truly do get what you put in. This class is unique in that it presents so many opportunities to grow as a person, but you need to mentally commit yourself to this growth in order to reap the true benefits. During hands-on activities, discussions, and field trips, do your best to draw from your authentic thoughts, experiences, and emotions. By making an effort to reflect and respond in ways that are authentic to how you feel, you will walk away with a deeper understanding of yourself and the ways that you are growing.
As for the academic portion, doing the readings every week, jotting down a few notes, and thinking about a few points that intrigue you is the best way to prepare for class. Taking some notes and reflecting after each reading will also make it much easier to write the weekly blog posts. Once you get to class, be willing to share your thoughts, questions, and things that confused you. This class is largely discussion based and each person’s contribution really is valuable in driving the material forward. It is a safe space and everyone is there to learn and grow. Don’t worry about being judged, just share! After a few weeks go by and you become more comfortable with the class structure and your classmates, this type of sharing gets a lot easier. Most of all, enjoy! There is so much to be gained from this class; it truly is one of a kind.
Student 13
When I first enrolled in this course, I could not imagine the profound impact it would have on me. While, at the beginning of the semester, the class simply seemed like a break from the monotony of the normal classroom setting, by the end I struggled to say goodbye to the community we had built throughout our time together. One of the most important lessons I learned during my time in this course was to not take things so seriously. As simple as it seems, there were so many meaningful experiences that I would have missed out on for fear of “looking silly” or not doing something the “right” way. That being said, it is also just as acceptable and important to acknowledge any initial uncertainties or discomforts. You should make the most of your time in the course by being open to new experiences in whatever way feels most authentic to you, there is no one way to do so. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Learning may happen in ways you don’t expect.
As much as this course helped to improve my connection with nature, it also helped to improve my connection to my own sense of self. At UVA, it can be very easy to compare yourself to others or feel pressure to assimilate to those around you, however, it was the differences between everyone in the class that brought us together. Being an engaged part of this community, however you may choose to do so, will help you gain the most from this course, shaping others' perspectives and your own through this shared care for nature. Additionally, as someone who has done an endless amount of reading responses throughout their time at UVA, I was hesitant about taking yet another course that follows this format, however doing these readings and journals became one of my favorite parts of the course. Putting real thought and effort into your reflections is integral to your academic and personal development in the class, however, these do not have to be incredibly formal or well-thought-out and are arguably more valuable if they are not. You’ll find as you write, there are so many connections you may have never considered before.
ETP 3500: Nature Connectedness has undoubtedly been one of my favorite and most rewarding classes I have taken at UVA, yet it did not earn this title through some overcomplicated, extravagant feat or revelation but rather through changing my mindset on the meaning of impact and value. Throughout the semester, I learned to be open to the joy of play and childlike wonder, to appreciate the value of slowness and simplicity, and to not devalue my efforts even if they don’t fit the standard or feel impactful enough. As a long-time “destination worrier,” this course helped me to appreciate the journey. This has and will continue to stay with me long after Nature Connectedness.