Assignment #1 Who Am I?

One of my personal mottos is well expressed by the words of F. Scott Fitzgerald: "I hope you live a life you are proud of." (Instructor note: Your lead sentence should be a brief but clear personal philosophy statement for your biography. You do not have to use a quote as I have; you can simply state some of the principles you live by. ) In this post, my goals are to reveal meaningful things about myself, discuss why I am teaching this course, and to share some of my career aspirations, hobbies, and special interests. In addition, I will share the career turning point in my life when I decided on environmental education. (Instructor note: Here I have given an "advanced organizer" which tells the reader what the essay will entail. Note that I've included all the key aspects from the assignment rubric!)

(Instructor note: Notice that each paragraph below has a topic sentence, and then the rest of the paragraph goes on to "color in" with details, examples, or stories related to that topic sentence.)

I am teaching OE 350 Environmental Interpretation because I care deeply about helping aspiring professionals develop an effective theory and practice "toolbox." Interpretive principles, if followed, can make a difference.

At mid-life, I have several career aspirations, hobbies, and special interests. My career aspirations are to continue to develop BHSU's Outdoor Education program as a high-quality academic program that helps students develop competency, confidence, and caring. My hobbies and special interests often connect avocation and vocation: I love Nordic skiing. Other favorite hobbies include kayaking, fly fishing, backpacking, running, reading, and nature study. My interests tend to categorize themselves by mind, body, and spirit. I believe that a well-lived life includes good helpings of interests and activities in each category.

I've had several career turning points, however, the sharpest turn came when I was 21. I was majoring in Environmental Management. I thought I would do something "science-y." However, on a plane flight over eastern South Dakota, I noted that pastures  and native prairie were being plowed for industrial row-crop agriculture. I noted the brown Sioux River. I listened to folks talking about going to a "better" place. And right then I felt a strong call to be an environmental educator and to help people appreciate and care for the places they lived.

(Instructor note: notice how I'm including a conclusion here; not just stopping when I run out of words. I am "wrapping it up" and re-visiting my main lead sentence. Note that I do not include any new information in the concluding paragraph.)

So at mid-life, I can say with pride that I have lived a life, so far, that I am proud of. I've aligned avocation and vocation.