The majority of my blog posts thus far have been centered around me gaining perspectives from various travels, programs and events. This specific post is mainly a personal reflection. Rather than changing from learning, I am realizing how I affect my learning. As an introvert, I have found reflection and introspection vital parts of my personality and quite enjoyable tasks.
I have been incredibly busy this summer partaking in activities that I have enjoyed immensly. However, after each of my activities. I have returned home hoping for a change of pace and time to relax before the school year begins again. However, instead of "catching a breath" in my own home, I found my change of pace while spending time in Maine by myself (only excluding my intermediate family). The purpose of the trip was to look at colleges, an activity that many of my peers and those before me would agree is not a relaxing endeavor. However, after the searching, I did have some days to spend with my family and with myself. Most of my family on the North East Coast primarily lives in smaller towns that formerly thrived from lumber or paper- based economies. Forty to fifty years ago, they were the forefronts of America's industrial economy. However, due to tecnological advancements and growth in coastal living, they have struggled to maintain a progressive economy. While small town America has been decreasing with each generation, I have found a great appreciation and beauty in their smaller populations, unique groups of people (most who have lived from the time of economic prosperity to present day) and charm. I like to think that my generation will revitalize these hidden gems of America, but the future looks bleak with a big focus on technology and mainstream living. While jobs and living would be difficult without an economy, I hope to observe ways to make these towns boom again. There is so much untapped nature and space that we no longer have in these major coastal cities. There should be more research into utilizing small town America. I hope to inspire others to visit and appreciate the beauty of small town America.
I have been incredibly busy this summer partaking in activities that I have enjoyed immensly. However, after each of my activities. I have returned home hoping for a change of pace and time to relax before the school year begins again. However, instead of "catching a breath" in my own home, I found my change of pace while spending time in Maine by myself (only excluding my intermediate family). The purpose of the trip was to look at colleges, an activity that many of my peers and those before me would agree is not a relaxing endeavor. However, after the searching, I did have some days to spend with my family and with myself. Most of my family on the North East Coast primarily lives in smaller towns that formerly thrived from lumber or paper- based economies. Forty to fifty years ago, they were the forefronts of America's industrial economy. However, due to tecnological advancements and growth in coastal living, they have struggled to maintain a progressive economy. While small town America has been decreasing with each generation, I have found a great appreciation and beauty in their smaller populations, unique groups of people (most who have lived from the time of economic prosperity to present day) and charm. I like to think that my generation will revitalize these hidden gems of America, but the future looks bleak with a big focus on technology and mainstream living. While jobs and living would be difficult without an economy, I hope to observe ways to make these towns boom again. There is so much untapped nature and space that we no longer have in these major coastal cities. There should be more research into utilizing small town America. I hope to inspire others to visit and appreciate the beauty of small town America.