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Our Class:Hannah Jane Baumann
Nicole Caiati Taylor Campbell Isabela Cardona Madison Grace Dobbins Marquez Ezzard Emelia Gapp Saba Gigiberia Kristin Hsu Kayla Kaiser Dhruv Kulkarni Haven Lambert Grace McIntonish Chloe Morris Emily Piper Alyssa Ramos Jeremiah Smith Carly Winters |
Student Testimonials
"To be quite honest, I didn’t know that I was signing up for a seminar about trees when I registered for this class last semester. I was a bit skeptical at first, but I decided to stick with it — it was something different from my normal coursework, and maybe a class about trees would be fun. I’m very glad that I did, because this has easily been one of my most interesting classes at Tech so far. Trees have constantly been in the background of my life, but I knew shockingly little about them. When I found out that trees communicate with each other, I was blown away. I find myself noticing trees much more. I’m also much more conscious of trees being cut down. Before I didn’t really care that much, but now I find myself questioning if it is really necessary. Overall, this class has truly augmented my knowledge (and appreciation) of trees." - Haven
"This class has taught me a lot, not just about trees but also about my own thinking. I’ve never really had a passion about nature and I have not been someone who enjoyed spending time outside, but I’m very grateful to have been able to attend this class. My perspective on nature and my own environmental footprint has changed completely. I feel as though I have a greater understanding and appreciation for trees, especially after learning to not only see trees as a benefit to humanity but also beings that simply exist and deserve to exist. I find myself paying more attention to the trees around me and keeping up with environmental news, so this class has really been eye opening and enjoyable." - Isa
"Like many others, I wasn’t sure what it was I was going to get out of a class “focused on trees”. However, now that our semester is coming to a close I’ve realized that isn’t truly all this class is about. Sure we use trees as a thematic focus but we have learned about and discussed so much more than that. We’ve learned about our environment, yes, but also about the faults and triumphs of environmental science and ultimately about ourselves in terms of our humanity and our role in this world. The biggest lesson I have learned from this course is to look up. By that I mean to pay attention to where I am in the world and how what I do makes a greater impact than what I can see with my own two eyes. We forget that some of the most fantastic things can be not what we create, but what is already here. All you have to do is look for it." - Hannah Jane
"I had no clue what I was signing myself up for when our class syllabus read: The Cultural History of Trees. I was confused, a little anxious, and not sure of what was to come. But by the end of the semester, this class has become one of my favorite LMC courses so far. Not only is it interesting to learn about something that has always been such a big part of my life (even if I didn't know it at the time), but the class is all the more engaging when your professor clearly loves what he is teaching." - Kristin
"When I registered for this class, I was honestly clueless as to what I was signing up for. All I saw was that it was a seminar taught by my favorite LMC professor and that it counted towards my core degree requirements. When I learned that this was a class about trees, I knew it would be interesting but I assumed we would just be discussing different types of trees. When I learned that our main focus would be the Tech Tower Oak Tree, my mind went blank. I had never heard of it or seen it. It was actually embarrassing that I was in a class about trees and wasn’t aware of the most important tree on my campus. This class taught me something that was supposed to be instilled in us in kindergarten; to pay attention. I truly didn’t know that I was given the amazing gift of having an over 200-year-old tree in my close vicinity. I walked by that tree every day and didn’t know that it was there. I’ve learned to take a second, look around, notice what I see, and appreciate it. We truly don’t know what we have until it’s gone." - Taylor
"To be completely honest, when I stumbled upon this course during registration, I definitely had my doubts. I wasn’t sure that learning about trees and their significance would be my “cup of tea” per se. This was much before I understood that studying trees might be more important than one might think. In this course, we’ve covered the moral ins and outs of the sciences, reflected on how our society is rather disconnected with nature, and discussed several different perspectives, books and opinions. The one thing that I will take with me after this course, if nothing else, is to be more attentive. Be more attentive to the way that you’re leaving your mark as a human. Be more attentive to the ways that you consume the world around you. Be more attentive to our earth and trees." - Nicole
"I believe this class has allowed for a unique opportunity to reflect on the environment– something not really afforded in many of our other classes and our everyday lives in general. The level of engagement and discussion on all topics concerning trees has been a refreshing change of pace and a welcomed exigence for becoming more attuned to what’s happening around us. Overall I’m really glad I decided to take this class and I’m positive that it has changed the way I position myself in terms of nature and trees." - Alyssa
"Like many of my classmates, I knew hardly anything about trees before taking this class. Although I have broadened my knowledge about trees over the course of the semester, the fundamental idea that I have taken from the class is to be attentive and appreciative of the trees and nature that surrounds me in my everyday life. This semester, I have found myself noticing trees and thinking about human environmental impact more than I ever have before. This class has opened my eyes to the environment that has surrounded me my entire life, and I am grateful that I am now able to see the world with a different perspective." - Emelia
"I’ve always been a really sentimental person, especially about old things, so much so that my life goal is to work in a museum. I’ve also always felt a soft spot for being outside, enveloped by nature; there’s something terrifyingly comforting about being so small, reminded of how minuscule you are in comparison to a forest of trees. I suppose I’d never really thought of combining those two ideas together, observing trees as a historical element, before this class. It’s always such a wonderful feeling to be able to look at something you already loved so much through an entirely different perspective, which is what this past semester has been for me. I have absolutely loved every second of this class." - Chloe
"Despite interacting with something every day, it is imazing how ignorant we can be about our environment. This class showed me that we don’t recognize how we influence others and how other things influence us unless it is explicitly benefitting us in a material way. I knew trees were all around me, but I never took the time to learn about them or realize how much we take advantage of our relationship with them. Even in our focus on cutting down the Tech Tower White Oak, the campus itself does not make a big deal of it, despite its history being longer than the school itself. By taking this class, I find a new appreciation for my environment and notice the smaller things in nature and my everyday life that I used to simply float by." - Emily
"Growing up, I think a lot of the time my family and I would just take nature for granted and we would just think of it as something that’s a part of everyday life and something everyone sees but after taking this class, there are so many different people out there that are trying to change that narrative and make a point that nature, more specifically trees, are such a big part of how are lives are in order and we should never take it for granted. This class has helped me gain a new perspective about the beauty of trees and how they can be so much in comparison with people because that’s how they should be treated. I’ve always loved being outside and just enjoying warmth and sunshine but I never just sat back and just enjoyed nature’s beauty so now that I know a lot more about the importance of trees and nature, I can definitely just sit back and admire it." - Madison
"Upon signing up for this class I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into. I didn’t know much about trees let alone the Tech Tower oak. This class has taught me so much and has made me really appreciate nature and all it has to offer. I feel as if I have a greater appreciation and understanding of trees and a true realization of how much humans have affected our world." - Grace
"After my four years here at Georgia Tech as a Literature, Media, and Communication major, I was curious to see how one course could encapsulate the learnings I’ve garnered during my time here. In this course, The Cultural History of Trees, we explored how trees, specifically the Tech Tower Oak, have influenced our culture here at Georgia Tech. Through reading various texts, creating mixed-media for our final project, and facilitating engaging communication every class, we truly practiced what it is to be a Literature, Media, and Communication major. After participating in this class, I now look at trees through a different lens and understand that their existence adds cultural significance to both our campus and the world." - Kayla
"I didn’t know what to expect when I first enrolled in this class. I never thought too much about nature and how I interact with nature. But from reading the different books throughout the semester, I grew a knew understanding and view on nature and how nature is a vital part of our everyday life. The discussion posts allowed me to apply what I read and reflect on my own life. I was hesitant about some of the book choices and thought they were going to be just facts about trees. Instead the books showed our nature and humanity are intertwined and about the authors interaction with and perspective on nature, which were often very interesting. I also enjoyed our discussions in class and hearing other people’s perspectives. Overall, I learned to pay attention to the little details that make up a bigger story" - Marquez
“What I like most about this class is how it’s changed the way I approach nature ever so slightly. Be it a subtle glance around me as I walk across campus or being more cognizant about the trees around me, I’m glad that I took this course and had the opportunity to evolve my point of view. Trees are admittedly a facet of life we take for granted, and having the chance to step back and reevaluate humanity’s relationship with plant life was a very welcome breath of fresh air.” - Dhruv
“Nature has always interested me when I was growing up and is where I spent most of my time. This class and the books we read taught me about interactions that happen between different elements of nature and how they all work together for a common good. It definitely changed some of my actions and perspective on plant life.” - Jeremiah
"This class has taught me a lot, not just about trees but also about my own thinking. I’ve never really had a passion about nature and I have not been someone who enjoyed spending time outside, but I’m very grateful to have been able to attend this class. My perspective on nature and my own environmental footprint has changed completely. I feel as though I have a greater understanding and appreciation for trees, especially after learning to not only see trees as a benefit to humanity but also beings that simply exist and deserve to exist. I find myself paying more attention to the trees around me and keeping up with environmental news, so this class has really been eye opening and enjoyable." - Isa
"Like many others, I wasn’t sure what it was I was going to get out of a class “focused on trees”. However, now that our semester is coming to a close I’ve realized that isn’t truly all this class is about. Sure we use trees as a thematic focus but we have learned about and discussed so much more than that. We’ve learned about our environment, yes, but also about the faults and triumphs of environmental science and ultimately about ourselves in terms of our humanity and our role in this world. The biggest lesson I have learned from this course is to look up. By that I mean to pay attention to where I am in the world and how what I do makes a greater impact than what I can see with my own two eyes. We forget that some of the most fantastic things can be not what we create, but what is already here. All you have to do is look for it." - Hannah Jane
"I had no clue what I was signing myself up for when our class syllabus read: The Cultural History of Trees. I was confused, a little anxious, and not sure of what was to come. But by the end of the semester, this class has become one of my favorite LMC courses so far. Not only is it interesting to learn about something that has always been such a big part of my life (even if I didn't know it at the time), but the class is all the more engaging when your professor clearly loves what he is teaching." - Kristin
"When I registered for this class, I was honestly clueless as to what I was signing up for. All I saw was that it was a seminar taught by my favorite LMC professor and that it counted towards my core degree requirements. When I learned that this was a class about trees, I knew it would be interesting but I assumed we would just be discussing different types of trees. When I learned that our main focus would be the Tech Tower Oak Tree, my mind went blank. I had never heard of it or seen it. It was actually embarrassing that I was in a class about trees and wasn’t aware of the most important tree on my campus. This class taught me something that was supposed to be instilled in us in kindergarten; to pay attention. I truly didn’t know that I was given the amazing gift of having an over 200-year-old tree in my close vicinity. I walked by that tree every day and didn’t know that it was there. I’ve learned to take a second, look around, notice what I see, and appreciate it. We truly don’t know what we have until it’s gone." - Taylor
"To be completely honest, when I stumbled upon this course during registration, I definitely had my doubts. I wasn’t sure that learning about trees and their significance would be my “cup of tea” per se. This was much before I understood that studying trees might be more important than one might think. In this course, we’ve covered the moral ins and outs of the sciences, reflected on how our society is rather disconnected with nature, and discussed several different perspectives, books and opinions. The one thing that I will take with me after this course, if nothing else, is to be more attentive. Be more attentive to the way that you’re leaving your mark as a human. Be more attentive to the ways that you consume the world around you. Be more attentive to our earth and trees." - Nicole
"I believe this class has allowed for a unique opportunity to reflect on the environment– something not really afforded in many of our other classes and our everyday lives in general. The level of engagement and discussion on all topics concerning trees has been a refreshing change of pace and a welcomed exigence for becoming more attuned to what’s happening around us. Overall I’m really glad I decided to take this class and I’m positive that it has changed the way I position myself in terms of nature and trees." - Alyssa
"Like many of my classmates, I knew hardly anything about trees before taking this class. Although I have broadened my knowledge about trees over the course of the semester, the fundamental idea that I have taken from the class is to be attentive and appreciative of the trees and nature that surrounds me in my everyday life. This semester, I have found myself noticing trees and thinking about human environmental impact more than I ever have before. This class has opened my eyes to the environment that has surrounded me my entire life, and I am grateful that I am now able to see the world with a different perspective." - Emelia
"I’ve always been a really sentimental person, especially about old things, so much so that my life goal is to work in a museum. I’ve also always felt a soft spot for being outside, enveloped by nature; there’s something terrifyingly comforting about being so small, reminded of how minuscule you are in comparison to a forest of trees. I suppose I’d never really thought of combining those two ideas together, observing trees as a historical element, before this class. It’s always such a wonderful feeling to be able to look at something you already loved so much through an entirely different perspective, which is what this past semester has been for me. I have absolutely loved every second of this class." - Chloe
"Despite interacting with something every day, it is imazing how ignorant we can be about our environment. This class showed me that we don’t recognize how we influence others and how other things influence us unless it is explicitly benefitting us in a material way. I knew trees were all around me, but I never took the time to learn about them or realize how much we take advantage of our relationship with them. Even in our focus on cutting down the Tech Tower White Oak, the campus itself does not make a big deal of it, despite its history being longer than the school itself. By taking this class, I find a new appreciation for my environment and notice the smaller things in nature and my everyday life that I used to simply float by." - Emily
"Growing up, I think a lot of the time my family and I would just take nature for granted and we would just think of it as something that’s a part of everyday life and something everyone sees but after taking this class, there are so many different people out there that are trying to change that narrative and make a point that nature, more specifically trees, are such a big part of how are lives are in order and we should never take it for granted. This class has helped me gain a new perspective about the beauty of trees and how they can be so much in comparison with people because that’s how they should be treated. I’ve always loved being outside and just enjoying warmth and sunshine but I never just sat back and just enjoyed nature’s beauty so now that I know a lot more about the importance of trees and nature, I can definitely just sit back and admire it." - Madison
"Upon signing up for this class I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into. I didn’t know much about trees let alone the Tech Tower oak. This class has taught me so much and has made me really appreciate nature and all it has to offer. I feel as if I have a greater appreciation and understanding of trees and a true realization of how much humans have affected our world." - Grace
"After my four years here at Georgia Tech as a Literature, Media, and Communication major, I was curious to see how one course could encapsulate the learnings I’ve garnered during my time here. In this course, The Cultural History of Trees, we explored how trees, specifically the Tech Tower Oak, have influenced our culture here at Georgia Tech. Through reading various texts, creating mixed-media for our final project, and facilitating engaging communication every class, we truly practiced what it is to be a Literature, Media, and Communication major. After participating in this class, I now look at trees through a different lens and understand that their existence adds cultural significance to both our campus and the world." - Kayla
"I didn’t know what to expect when I first enrolled in this class. I never thought too much about nature and how I interact with nature. But from reading the different books throughout the semester, I grew a knew understanding and view on nature and how nature is a vital part of our everyday life. The discussion posts allowed me to apply what I read and reflect on my own life. I was hesitant about some of the book choices and thought they were going to be just facts about trees. Instead the books showed our nature and humanity are intertwined and about the authors interaction with and perspective on nature, which were often very interesting. I also enjoyed our discussions in class and hearing other people’s perspectives. Overall, I learned to pay attention to the little details that make up a bigger story" - Marquez
“What I like most about this class is how it’s changed the way I approach nature ever so slightly. Be it a subtle glance around me as I walk across campus or being more cognizant about the trees around me, I’m glad that I took this course and had the opportunity to evolve my point of view. Trees are admittedly a facet of life we take for granted, and having the chance to step back and reevaluate humanity’s relationship with plant life was a very welcome breath of fresh air.” - Dhruv
“Nature has always interested me when I was growing up and is where I spent most of my time. This class and the books we read taught me about interactions that happen between different elements of nature and how they all work together for a common good. It definitely changed some of my actions and perspective on plant life.” - Jeremiah