Conner Hall

Civic Engagement Essay

6th Period Humanities
Gunther
    Over the course of the the semester, I have been exposed all sorts of new ideas and beliefs in
my humanities class.  I feel like I can now better recognize and understand different perspectives
and point of views on situations.  I’ve learned about how others think, and seen how others may
think differently about things than I do.  I’ve also learned how to respect and appreciate these
other ideas as well.  I am far more aware than I ever have been about all sorts of different social
issues.  After taking this class I feel like I am worthy of having a voice in some of this beliefs
and participate more.  
    One of the major units we had this last quarter was about responses to nature.  Nature has a
variety of definitions and means something different to every individual.  To some, nature is just
a thing.  It’s grass, trees, mountains, bushes, and dirt.  But to others, nature is far more than that,
and has a much bigger purpose and meaning.  Nature is an experience.  Nature can hold
sentimental value to some, and be seen as an escape from everyday life.  Sometimes nature is
associated with freedom.  In The Etiquette of Freedom it reads, “The word nature is from Latin
natura, (which means) birth, constitutional, character, course of things, to be born.”  Nature is
important in our lives and world.  It is far more than just an object, and it needs to be protected.
    Global warming is a direct result from air pollutants.  It has become known as the biggest
threat and challenge that the world must overcome.  Air pollution is a serious problem that we
face today and it is very real.  The world and the nature we know, will forever be changed if we
don’t act and take a stand against this dangerous threat.  People are affected every day by air
pollution, even though they may not see it.  An average American breathes in 2 gallons of air per
minute, which means around 3400 of air each day.  That is an extremely high number.  Our air is
a human necessity, and it’s killing us when it is polluted.  Air pollution is a social injustice that
we must all fight against.  In my social media post, I made a car with air pollution coming out of
the top of it, so people can clearly see that cars are a major reason for air pollution.  “Save
money, save us, carpool,” is what was captioned underneath it.  This is the call to action. 
    Carpooling is a simple, but effective way of making a change and stopping air pollution.
 Simply riding in a car with multiple people to work or school can help our environment in so
many ways.  The less automobiles we have traveling to and from locations everyday is for the
best.  Take a stand by making an agreement with some friends to alternate driving
responsibilities for the day.  Not only will this help save the nature around, like the air we
breathe, but it will help save you money.  
    Throughout the readings this year, I’ve began to understand the importance and influence
nature has on the world and on us as a society.  There is a quote found in Introduction to
Responses to Nature that says, “Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature.  It will never fail
you.”  This quote is true in so many ways, and means a lot to me the more I’ve thought about it.
 Nature is something you can always count on and it will always essentially be there for you.  I
don’t want to lose that, and I don’t think anyone else does either.  Nature has so many
sentimental meanings to each and every individual even if they don’t consciously realize it.  I
want to spread awareness about air pollution because it is a serious issue and I don’t want to live
in a world without the peaceful, clean beauty of nature around us.  Take a stand today.  Be the
one to start the awareness.  The world is our home and together we can make a difference.
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