Elizabeth+M

Phase I: Who Am I? What's My Place?


 * What __really__ makes up your identity?

I think that my identity is linked to my family and friends. The idea that my parents have helped to raise and mold me into the person I am today. Through their help, advice, kind words and (at times) anger filled threats, I was able to make the choices that have led me to where I am now. I also think that my friends have allowed me to grow and learn my own personality and identity. With their support and ability to put up with my crazy, non-conventional ways, I have always felt like I could handle life and all that is sent my way. With that idea, I think that my sense of identity began at a young age and has developed with the help of friends and family.


 * What __really__ makes up your sense of place?

When I think of my sense of place, in basic terms, my mind goes to where I grew up. The small town mentality that molded me into the person I am today. My sense of place is the small house where I lived, with the same neighbors since I was a baby; and the town where everyone knew who you were and you played on the street until the lights came on at night. When I think of my place in the world as a working adult, my mind automatically goes to my classroom and the 26 students I interact with every day. Those students are where I am able to make the most difference in the world. With each lesson, conversation, recess pick-up game (Mrs. Miles, the amazing quarterback), I am able to help them analyze their actions, words, and future life.


 * What roles do your identity and sense of place play when you work with others in a group project?

I think your identity plays a large part in how you interact with others in regards to communication, thinking, interacting, and compromising. Example: If you see yourself as a figure that is grounded and level headed, your behavior will be much different from an individual who thinks they are superior. Your sense of “you” is what forms your thoughts, words, and actions; it is also the image you portray when interacting with others in a group setting. Your sense of place also plays a part because that is where you hold meaning in your life. I feel your sense of place is where your focus and concentration is placed and can showcase much about a person.


 * What are the qualities that you bring to the GLIP conversation that will help you make a contribution to your global group?

I am a very motivated person that also has a sense of patience. I have found that when you say that you are “motivated” individuals automatically think you are overpowering or dominating. The element of patience helps to keep my motivation in check and also forces me to realize not everyone is the same. We need to remember that every person on this GLIP project has a different rate and style of learning.


 * What is one local problem (where you live) that you believe needs to be addressed? Suggest some steps could you take to try to solve it?

I think one of our local problems here in North Carolina is a lack of respect for nature. The state of North Carolina is quickly growing in population with housing developments, strip malls, and other man made creations taking over our land. I understand the logistics behind population growth and expansion, but North Carolina needs to consider preservation funding for the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Piedmont area (Raleigh), and the coastal plains. In 2010 alone, North Carolina General Assembly cut land conservation funds by 85% - check out this website for more information- NC link


 * Finally, some problems have been around for a long time. What qualities do you think a person must have to step up and try to solve them?

I think a person needs to be able to ask for help. When an individual feels they can solve a problem that is unattainable on their own, they have already set themselves up for failure. A person who will rise to the occasion, is able to communicate in an effective manner that they need additional knowledge, data, ideas, perspectives, or whatever it may be to get the goal accomplished.

There are many special places around Raleigh, like the Science Museum and the wonderful shops downtown. However, the locations that are dear to my heart and show my sense of "place" are the natural settings like the picture above (Cary Greenway). I feel most at home when I am outside in nature and I really appreciate the fact that North Carolina has so many options when it comes to enjoying outside life.

My favorite "place" to be is Umstead National Park! I feel this best summarizes the beauty of our state. []

However, I don't mind visiting the beach or the mountains of North Carolina if I need a change of scenery.

However, if I do need to take my activities inside...I LOVE...LOVE...to go to the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh!! They are a very special organization that tries to get all involved in the arts and it is FREE!

Here is another item I hold dear...my elementary school, where I teach. We do a lot of outreach projects to get our students involved in the community. We just raised $1,021.50 selling candy "life grams" to support Breast Cancer Research.

Later, you will be working with the members of your group to create a travel package that includes visits to each group member's home location (see Phase II)

Phase III: Identify Local Issue:

What is your local issue?

I feel that my local issue is still based around nature conservation and respecting the environment. As I stated in my Phase 1: //I think one of our local problems here in North Carolina is a lack of respect for nature. The state of North Carolina is quickly growing in population with housing developments, strip malls, and other man made creations taking over our land. I understand the logistics behind population growth and expansion, but North Carolina needs to consider preservation funding for the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Piedmont area (Raleigh), and the coastal plains. In 2010 alone, North Carolina General Assembly cut land conservation funds by 85% - check out this website for more information- NC link // Oddly enough, we also identified a need for "respect" towards nature in our Phase II section of the GLIP, therefore depicting a need for awareness and concern.

What can you do to be address the issue?

I think we need to address the issue of awareness. Through identifying the hard facts, patterns, and concerns for nature and making the public aware of the budget cuts and growing human expansion, we may be able to make a difference in what happens and the events that occure in the future. Part of me wants to raise money for the creation of parks and natural settings, but I am not sure that will solve the problem. Yes, money is always good...but will it cause actions to be changed and ideals to be questioned?

What is the global impact of your local issue?

I think that this is a global issue because we only have one Earth and one opportunity to conserve what has been provided to us. Through raising awareness in our community, the project based conservation outreach may also affect others around the country or world. By using facts and identifying the overwhelming issues, we can force people to realize there is a concern. Through awareness, there will be an increased respect towards nature and hopefully a change in individual and group actions.

I know I have said this before, but we need to remember that when you add up individual actions into a lump sum...the affects can be huge. We need to remember that with one person, change can happen. As long as they can communicate a concern, work with others, and make action happen....we have begun to make a difference

Add these thoughts to your Group's Discussion Forum on Local Issues