Environmental Certificate

"Here is my reflection, it is in the form of prose poetry as that is how I like to write while hiking:

Time flows like water down a stream

Every rock along the riverbed, every grain of sediment

Events in history, so big that you don't even notice

Events so small they change everything

My time in the White Mountains is more like a creek

I am here for such a short time

Yet it has changed me more than years at home

I have found a semblance of peace here A moment of quiet

I would not say it is happiness that I have found

But I am content to sit here for a few moments longer

And appreciate the time that I have"

"Some perspective I have gained in NH. I learned that I really enjoy the freedom and newness of the area. Its different from anything I;ve ever done and that’s exciting. I really enjoy the structure of a 9-5, compared to college classes, which is nice. It makes me look forward to graduating. I’ve also learned a bit of perspective with happiness. I love getting out into nature, getting exercise, starting my day off right and that in turn makes me happier and more productive. It is a nice cycle of living to enjoy life which in turn makes it more enjoyable and easier to do.

Something I noticed during my observation when the wind stops blowing, condensation drips off branches. The tree may be collecting water from the fog."

"The trees are beautiful, like currents of red and yellow flowing through a green sea. The mountains in front of me are covered by the mist, but watching the way the mist dances through the wind is fun. Speaking of the wind, it's hard to hear much over it. Occasionally I can hear people's voices as they pass by or a bird chirping. Much more frequently I hear the buzzing of the fly that's followed me the whole trail. His name is Phil and we've had some lovely conversations. I can also occasionally hear a raven cawing in the distance which is awesome.

I think something I've learned about myself is that when up on mountains like this I get jealous of birds. To be able to jump off a cliff, spread your wings, and ride the wind. To dance with the mist in the sky. No responsibilities, no obligations, just you in the wind. As for the more introspective part a lot of the things I feel out on hikes is a little hard to put into words. Like when talking about my gender I've always described it as being vaguely man-shaped, I think I once told someone 'a non-newtonian fluid filling a vaguely man-shaped container'. I'm just slightly to the left of man, dipping my toes into the swirling nebula of gender funk while sitting on the man ledge. And something about the woods makes that nebula rise. Something a little less man and more a once man who's been taken over and being piloted by fungus and mushrooms. After a while of not talking and you a little bit forget how, the way your lips stick together and you need to clear your throat before you can begin talking. The way you're nothing more than a passing trace for most other people, a friendly nod that they will never see again. There's a comfort in it. I mean, these mountains were here far before us and they'll be here far after us. They're the Earth reaching up to the sky. As time passes they will one day be worn down but they will never lose the title of Mountains. The Earth's crown, and we are but ants crawling upon them."

"I see the forest, the trails, and lots of vegetation I don’t recognize. I hear plenty of nature calls that are unfamiliar to me; various birds, bugs, rustling leaves. Without even needing to “touch the ground” I can feel the dirt under my nails and sticky sap (or maybe mud) covering my finger tips. It’s a grime I don’t really feel the need to wash off right now. Maybe I will when I get home – since it won’t feel so “natural” to me then.

I have always been thoughtful and intentional with my actions. I am honest with myself and with others – in an overthinking, over analytical, and probably unnecessary way. My house can be stifling, my hometown can be stifling, and campus can be stifling, too. It has been very quiet and not particularly stifling here; the trails and mountains are so peaceful. My thoughts can get overwhelming. There is something mind blowing about how underwhelming those same thoughts can be after a physically rigorous hike and a gorgeous view."

"On the top of the mountain I could see many things including the mountains, trees, people, moss, plants, rock, liken, mushrooms, birds, the sky and the great unknown in the distance. When I close my eyes I can hear the wind as well as the lack of noise. When I feel the ground below me there are smooth, rough and wet rock shifting on my fingers. All of these things are beautiful and remind me of the world around me that is often overlooked. With attention being focused on academics, work, entertainment, and daily life, it is very easy to miss out on the many attributes of the world that I usually don’t use all my senses to observe. I feel like my experience in the White Mountains has been a valuable experience. For much of my childhood I was often sick or injured. Even though most people can hike mountains it is reassuring to know I have the strength and ability to overcome physical challenges. It reminds me of my limits as well as how far I have come with my health. I have also found solace in the outdoors. My love of people has grown as a result of less interaction. Nuances of other people's personal journey makes me appreciate all the good things in my life and all of the challenges I have overcome. It also inspires me to be more of a helpful and empathetic person for all people I meet. I have always been very extroverted, but I have also enjoyed thinking introspectively. By being outdoors I am forced to reflect on myself, so that I can understand my own character and place in the world. The stillness of nature supplies a reminder that the world remains independent from my own subjective view. This provides me peace that I have nothing to prove to the world. All that is truly important to me, is my initiative to do good and be good."

"During my time in New Hampshire I think I have gained a new appreciation for spending time outdoors. Before coming to WPI I spent a lot of time hiking and being outdoors in general but since coming to WPI I have lost a lot of those experiences. Although I feel like I didn’t hike as often as I planned to going into this term, when I have been able to get out it has done a lot for my overall mental health. Going forward I would like to try to get outside more often, although in Worcester that is easier said than done. Even if I’m not outside I think I could benefit from exercising more often, although that isn’t something that I’m just realizing now, thats a problem that I’ve been aware of since coming to WPI. I wish I had more to say but I feel like I haven’t gained that much in terms of new perspectives, mostly just rediscovering things I enjoyed in the past."