STUDENT EXPERIENCES
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The week long camping trip was what had first attracted me to the Steinbeck Country summer program. Before this summer, I had never taken a summer class or gone camping so everything seemed very exciting. The idea of somehow fusing both English and Environmental Science was bizarre and now after reading Steinbeck, Ricketts, and Jeffers I can't think of one without the other. I never expected to finish this program as a changed person. I now have a deeper appreciation for the world around me. Whenever I see food now, I not only see it as something on my plate. I see the people who worked countless hours taking care of and harvesting the food, I see the amount of time and energy it took to grow the food, and I see the amount of water and gas it took to get the food to my plate. The wonderful professors would encourage our curiosity and our discussions around the campfire were never less than enthralling. I have never learned so much in such a short time. I wish I could do it all again.
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I stumbled upon Steinbeck Country with absolutely no camping experience, just a love for the outdoors and a lot of wanderlust. I thought it would be a great excuse to travel while also earning credits. I went in with the intention of earning quick credits and left with a new perspective on life and the world that we inhabit. Cat and Walter have beautifully integrated Environmental Science and English in an amazing course that everyone should experience for themselves. There are no words to describe the mass amount of knowledge flowing in this group of amazing strangers that I now consider family. The fast paced two weeks prior to actually camping greatly enhanced my camping experience tremendously. Standing in the middle of the forest and understanding the processes that continually transpire is an amazing feeling. Since the class has ended I’ve made many positive and sustainable lifestyle changes that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. The short amount of time I spent with my classmates in the Redwoods has made a lasting impact on me. I’m sure this class will impact you mentally and physically as well. This class is begging you to take it, the world is begging for you to learn from it. Do yourself a favor and take this awesome opportunity and turn it into something beautiful.
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Jocelyn
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Karen
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It just takes two awesome professors, a week in the forest with your classmates, and a passion to learn, for your life to change forever! Just when I thought that I finally figured out my future, a former professor encouraged me to join the Steinbeck Country Program. Every outdoor education opportunity that I have been a part of has been the most rewarding, worthwhile experiences of my life and I couldn't pass up on this chance to learn in the field. A week into the summer session, my love for Environmental Science was instantly revived and I made the decision to change my major. I couldn't be happier! Who can say that their career is to help save the planet? The way Dr. Walter and Professor Cat integrate both English and Environmental Science is phenomenal! Every detail of the trip was planned with a purpose– to open your eyes to want to live a more sustainable life for the present and future generations, through exciting adventures and fascinating literature. I'd advise any student, camper or non-camper, to enroll for Steinbeck Country. You'll walk away from this experience with a plethora of knowledge, amazing memories and, most importantly, a greater appreciation for nature. Take a step away from everyday urban life and place yourself where we all came from because, in the words of poet Robinson Jeffers, "It is time for us to kiss the earth again".
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When I first signed up for the Steinbeck program, I was mostly excited for the camping trip. I had never been camping and the places mentioned just seemed really interesting. What I didn't realize was that I would be introduced to a completely new lifestyle and way of thinking. The classes we took beforehand really opened my eyes to the issues we are facing as a society and the beauty in the world around us that we must strive to preserve. The camping trip ended up just being the cherry on top to my experience with these very intelligent professors. I loved meeting new people and learning how to save the world at the same time. This program was definitely worth it and provided me with some of the best memories I will treasure the most.
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Stephanie
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