By definition, the Edge Effect is the changes in populations or in communities that occur at boundaries of two habitats. These changes produce large amounts of biodiversity and growth.
You might be thinking, "really? this girl is writing about something I learned about in AP Environmental Science? I thought this was a college girl's blog.." Yes, you are right, but since I'm in a season of my life that I need to pressure myself into doing things that are different and new, this topic seemed relevant.
We, as humans, work in comfort. Look at your life, there are some things that you have to pressure yourself to do, but we typically live in a constant state of comfortable. We tend to live by people of the same race, we tend to talk to people of our same gender and aspire to be around like-minded individuals or groups.
I purposefully picked a school that was far more diverse than I was ever used to. I come from a small-ish town in the greater Richmond area that had a population that mostly white. My college that I currently attend has a much more diverse student body than I ever imagined.
- this seems odd, but I promise there is a larger meaning to all of this preface-
Being put into this situation allows me to learn about new people, cultures and to grow productively. In the speech the Psychology professor gave, her examples were quite thought-provoking.
Let's just say you're a freshman in college, somewhere new and exciting. You're in for Information Technology, but you're passionate about global affairs, the environment, law and justice and social media. Find your way to combine those passions and create something niche that makes you stand out. You could go the route of Information Technology, a track of cyber security, and possibly a minor in Environmental Justice. (this is my plan actually!!)
Finding a way to mix all of your interests is an essential in college, so this was something I was very interested in is actively exploring ways to relate what I'm learning in one class, to a greater understanding of the world and how I am an active participant in society.
Find your ways to mix and become niche in your life. Maybe that's creating a blog, or creating a piece of art. Find an internship in something you're passionate about. Be creative, and you will find yourself very quickly.
The overall meaning of this post was to think actively. Why do we do what we do? How can we become something more than ourselves? Is it by joining a club at school? Maybe picking up a new major or minor? I don't have the answers, but when we sit and think about how we can change our lives, we become better people. So take that as food for thought.
- katie