Category Archives: Synthesis

Time to reflect back on previous entries from the semester.

Nature vs Nurture: A New Perspective on an Old Problem

“Nature!” shouts Immanuel Kant and the nativists of psychology. “Nurture!” shouts John Locke and the behaviorists. The current consensus is that human development is about 2/5 nurture and 3/5 nature, but the percentages will undoubtedly continue to vacillate with new discoveries … Continue reading

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The Living in Living and Learning

Synthetic Post #2 I’ve always loved flying. While my little sister was the nervous traveler and my brother was indifferent, I was the kid who my parents could rely on to pick a fight over the window seat no matter … Continue reading

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The Politics of the Environment

  In our studies, we are constantly addressing the best practices of environmental management, but we do not often look into serious ways of implementation besides demanding that the best practice for the environment is immediately put into action.  I … Continue reading

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Going Back to Roots (Synthetic Log 2)

When Leonardo Dicaprio won his first Oscar as the best actor of 2016, he used his moment, not to address his personal life story, but to present the rising concern of climate change. This pressing issue has finally sparked many … Continue reading

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Leading Us All to a Cleaner Future (Synthesis 2)

Looking into the water of the James River, it was hard to believe that just on the opposite bank from myself stood a city of over 200,000 people. Swirling and gurgling past my feet, the clear water of the James … Continue reading

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Connecting the semester together (Synthetic Post #2)

Summer reading is one of the worst things in all of education. I am sure this is a view shared by many people worldwide. Most college students would agree that summer is a time for fun and relaxation, rather than … Continue reading

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Community Trails: Where Do They Lead and How Do We Get There?

My dog’s tail wags furiously as she playfully prances back and forth in the gravel parking lot.  It is a struggle to clip her leash on before she gallops over the small grass median and onto the Norwalk River Valley … Continue reading

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Synthetic Post 2: How Community and Environmentalism Are Tied

I’ll be honest, most of my weekends freshman year ended up being boring and rather lonely. When the tsunami of work finally subsided for a moment and I was left a quiet time to catch my breath, as most Saturdays … Continue reading

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Local to Global

“Any area of land from which water and materials drain to a common point, such as a stream, river, pond, lake or ocean.” ~Definition of a watershed, first day of class We came in, we sat down, and we listened. … Continue reading

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SYNTHETIC BLOG 2: A Test of Real Environmental Leadership

We all agree that after the everyday hustles and bustles of this life, we need a relaxing place to rejuvenate. Whether it is a quiet meditation in your sitting room, a nap in your bedroom, a stroll in the woods, … Continue reading

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