Univerisity of Florida Internship Blog #2

University of Florida Internship Blog #2

My experience with working with the University of Florida as an intern has been more than an experience it's an adventure. I have had the opportunity to apply some of my knowledge of sustainably into the work place.  Every month we have a staff meeting which includes all the departments in the extention office the meeting are designed to keep each department accountable for making sure that we are updated and able to inform the community of changes in the state of Florida based on  the mission of UF IFAS Extention. At the meeting I was able to introduce myself and some of the changes I would like to implement. Recycle, Reuse, Reduce everyone was in agreement. 

UF IFAS extended office provides workshops one Saturday of the month, the workshops are Composting, Microirrigation & Rainwater Harvesting. Once you complete the class you receive a value of $140 worth of supplies to allow you to take action right away!

The classes are offer in conjunction with the Florida-Friendly Landscaping program, public education and outreach. UF is under the umbrella program for Mircoirrigation, Compost and Rainwater Harvesting workshops.  There are 9 FFL principles (highlighted  ones are what the main focus for the workshops).

·       Right Plant, Right Place

·       Reduce Stormwater Runoff

·       Water Efficiently

·       Fertilize “As Needed”

·       Control Pest Wisely

·       Project Waterfronts

·       Provide for Wildlife

·       Recycle

·       Mulch

As a part of my internship I attended the workshops, the one that really hit home with me was the composting class.  After I attended the workshop, I was given the opportunity to teach a class to a small group along side Lisa Meredith on the subject of composting. I was able to relay the message of being more sustainable while composting. I was able to provide them with the history of Florida recycling.  The group was really excited and very open to the information that was provided. 

In the next weeks to come I will be attending more workshops and conducting more classes! Let the QRC coding begin!

In the beginning!

After taking Dr. Culhane's class entering a world of the unknown, I have concluded that being afraid is OK and OK to step outside of your Box. 

I attended USF as a student and was completely terrified since being out of school since 1984. 

 Dr. Culhane's approached me during orientation and asked me what class I was going to take.  I told him I was only taking one class because I needed to get acclimated into being a student again.  He assured me that if I took his class it would be rewarding, if I researched the tropics, shared my knowledge and information I learned with others, I will receive an “A” in the class.  He said the way his class is structured and how he teaches that I would be able to get in “A” out of his class. When he mentioned he doesn't give exams or quizzes, that's when he got my attention.  I have always struggled with test and exams, which would automatically cause me to get goose bumps and have anxiety attacks. I have always struggled with writing and test taking and have learned that taking test does not determine your ability to comprehend information. With not having the pressure of passing test, I immediately dug in and became very active in his class.

I was always very afraid of speaking in public and never worked on a computer outside of doing word documents and PowerPoints. I am excited and can now do a poltagons, create comic script videos, along with premiere pro, a lot of other computer programs, I would have never attempted in the past. Through taking his classes I have changed personally and professionally.  In my personal life I have changed the way I live and find myself thinking more about the environment and living to be more sustainable lifestyle. My family has noticed a change in me and have also adapted to the changes. We no longer purchase paper towels, cautious of our water consumption, compost for our permaculture gardening, use bamboo silver ware, I no longer use plastic bags we recycle everything.  I find myself educating people on biodigesters and I have my family really focusing on limiting waste!  I have connected with people that without this class I would have never met. I am happy that some of the instructors are adapting to Dr. Culhane's teaching techniques, which has made my experience as a graduate student much more rewarding. I didn't realize the lives I have touched until I started seeing action from there behaviors. Everyone in my circle have made some sort of change regarding sustainability. I am not only talking the talk I am walking it as well!  

A friend of my daughter wrote me a text and told me her 6-year-old told her they can no longer use plastic straws.  She said she immediately thought of me and her conversion with her about harming the sea animals with plastic straws. 

My co-worker's daughter is now practicing ways to become more sustainable. 

As well I feel so good about educating my siblings and other family members about thinking more about the future generations and protecting the world, they will have to live in.  How do you want to live and leave your mark on the world? I choose Inspiring Sustainable Homestead Living!