Field Journal 1

September 10, 2017

The Motivation Behind the Mission

I saw strong similarities in the passion between the David Brower interview and Tracy’s visit to class. There is a common theme in the motivation of classic and renowned conservationists like David Brower and FOTC members like Tracy. Both seem to want to give back to the earth and community they admire. Brower had a double sided argument that made me think of who I am right now and who I want to be in 50 years in regards to my relationship with nature. Brower said a couple of times that “when I [he] look[s] at young people it charges me [him]” (532). Brower does not criticize younger generations for their lack of commitment to the earth; rather he commends the few and highlights those already making a difference. His message to older people is vicariously encouraging to me as a member of the younger generation.

I felt the same encouragement after listening to Tracy. She took time out of her day to come educate us rather than criticize us. She opened the session up to questions and conversation to our outlook on our community’s situation. This in hand with David Brower’s interview forced me to reflect on my current level of involvement with the world around me. I do not foresee myself, in any near future, becoming one with the Earth in an extreme manner of environmental support, but I am definitely inspired to take better care. To do the small things, to keep up to date on my community, and more than anything to enjoy what is around me. Here in Lexington we are fortunate enough to encompass the essence of all four seasons and in my last year I hope to take better advantage of this multitude of natural sights, or as Brower said, “enjoy: how the world works and the beauty of it” (532).

Furthermore, I look at Tracy and Brower as two retired, educated, and outgoing individuals who are committed to making something out of their time. They both addressed their field experience and their personal attachment to local and global conservation (respectively).

Works Cited

Terkel, Studs. My American Century. New York: The New Press, 1997, pp. 526-532.