The Alternative Spring Break to the Everglades changed my life in so many ways. Not only did I meet an amazing group of people who I made real, lasting connections with, I learned about an ecosystem so unique and different than what I had ever experienced before.
The Everglades is a beautiful place and the national park really shows the diversity of the area. This experience gave me a sense of place that I had never felt before. I have always had a love for the environment, but camping out under the stars and helping to conserve this beautiful place really connected me with nature in a new way.
I see now that conservation is not only about saving the beautiful, threatened ecosystems but it is also about saving the land that is already being protected, such as our national parks. I want to be able to bring my children to see nature the way I saw it this past week and by helping to conserve national parks I will be able to do that.
Alternative Spring Break showed me that a small group of people can make a difference no matter how small they are as long as they care a lot. I think Dr. Seuss said it best in the Lorax, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing’s going to get better. It’s not.” I know that my group and I will make a difference, ASB showed me that and I cannot wait to see what the future will bring for us, because we care a whole awful lot.
