The Power of a Lake

Vitale Park

I took a trip to Vitale Park which is about 10 minutes from our campus. This park is on Conesus Lake. There were not many people at the park with me, just some dogs on walks with their owners. It was serene and still. The sun was shining over the calm waters, casting a golden glow that dances on the lake’s surface. Along the shoreline are houses and tall trees that stand like guardians. The air is filled with a delightful blend of natural fragrances. Imagine the fresh, crisp scent of the lake itself, mingling with the earthy aroma of damp soil. The breeze brings hints of cedar from the surrounding trees. The clouds drift lazily across sky, their white, cotton-like forms casting soft shadows on the lake.

A Symphony of Ducks

Only ducks gliding gently, their quacks had a cheerful sound. The mother watched as her children bathed and played in the water. The mother duck stands vigilant, her eyes are scanning the surroundings as her ducklings frolic in the shallow waters. I am reminded of the delicate balance of life and the protective instincts that bind us all. The quiet beauty of the lake invites reflection and appreciation of nature’s resilience. Besides the birds, ducks were mainly what I observed. It was very intresting to see how these ducks acted. They would go beak first into the water and their feet would stick up. Their social interactions, marked by a variety of quacks and calls, added to the serene atmosphere. The little ducks, with their feathers and tiny webbed feet, paddle around energetically, exploring their watery playground.

Colors

As I stand on the waters edge, I observe the colors. Instead of the vibrant green you’d expect, the grass has taken on a more subdued, brownish hue. The earthy tone adds a different kind of beauty to the landscape. The blades of grass, though not as lush, still sway gently in the breeze, creating a soft rustling sound that complements the peaceful ambiance of the lake. It is a place where I can escape the hustle of daily life and find solace in the simplicity and beauty of nature. I image myself journaling here in the summer and I enjoy the suns rays. The gentle sounds of the water moving and the rustling of the grass will create a soothing backdrop for my thoughts. I will allow my thoughts to flow freely onto the pages of my journal. I am so glad that this lake is just a short drive away. The atmosphere, reminiscent of Thoreau’s cherished retreats, offers a profound sense of peace.

The Impact of Computers

Changed and Grown

Signing up for this class I was not sure what to expect. After the first few classes I realized we were going to be using code. I took a coding class my sophmore year of highschool but I was never good at it. I did not feel comfortable at the beginning of this class. Over the last few months, I have learned so much not only about coding, but about my computer. I also have gained a new appreciation for Ada Lovelace, the first person to publish an algorithm intended to be executed by the first modern computer.

My eyes have opened to aspects of my computer that I haven’t noticed before this class. I had never heard of creating my own journal files on Visual Studios code. I had always used google docs to create journals and download them as PDF’s to submit my work. I love seeing how using differnt apps on my computer can create a journal file for me with a simple code. From what I’ve learned so far in our class with coding, I feel more confident in my computer skills.

Relation to My Major: Education

Manuscripts allow students to study the original drafts of literary works. Manuscripts also serve as primary sources, allowing students to engage directly with original materials and develop skills in primary source analysis. This realtes to my Education class Curr 317: Teaching social studies. In this class we are learning about primary sources and how to find/use them in a lesson. As an Education major, I go to my placement every Friday and am working on a Social Studies Unit Plan to teach to fourth graders that involves primary sources. We have learned how to find a true primary source and how it can increase involvement in a lesson plan. It is very interesting to see how my classes cross paths.

Another one of English classes I am taking this semester, English 366 Lit: Chaucer to Milton, we have started to talk about manuscipts. Throughout our class in English 340, we have learned about manuscripts and how to read them. I now feel more comfortable in my other English class when we talk about them. Although these are both English classes, it is interesting to see how they cross paths and how I can use my knowledge from one class to help me in another.

Digital Archives

Something I found interesting is how digital archives of historical records, artwork, and other cultural objects are created and stored by computers. Researchers and the general public may more easily access and examine these materials thanks to these online collections. Digital archives and primary sources are protected from physical degradation by digitization. Digital copies can be kept forever, while original records, images, and artifacts can deteriorate over time.