First Official Post

Hi Everyone,

I am Melissa Watkins, and I am a Graduate Recreation Major. I have my Bachelors in Social Studies Education and I am currently a 4-H Educator in Cayuga County. I am taking this course because I want to use the natural and local world as a resource for the Youth that are in 4-H and to help teachers in the local school districts to enhance their curricula through the resources and the tools that I have through 4-H and Cornell.

Personally, I love nature, and the outdoors, and it is only natural for me to take a class that would halpme to share many of the things that I love with Youth and with families. I have taken Oudoor and Wilderness Education classes in my undergrad, and Recreation classes in my Grad work. When I was a kid, I was often discouraged, and picked on by many because I like dirt, being outdoors and things that were natural. It took an experience in high School that made me understand that I was ok, and that loving nature was a good thing. I went to the Northwoods of Maine on a 21 Day Outward Bound Course, and it changed my life. I spent two summers as a wilderness trips counselor at a summer camp and shared nature with kids from age 6 to 16 . Most recently, I am in the establishment phase of bringing 4-H Shooting sports to Cayuga County and reaching out to schools, teachers and families as an educational resource through 4-H programming. Programs like 4-H have a role in supplementing the educational experience through experiential learning, connections with the community, and with the world around them.

Through 4-H, Kids have opportunities to explore things that interest them, and learn through intrinsic motivation, and the research that they take on voluntarily. As a result, youth can teach others through presentations, interview and other media because they are moved to share what they know with others. For me, this is rewarding, and an area of education that I find myself fitting into. To me, this is an area where I can help youth to use what they like, and are passionate about to do good things that will benefit the community. In a sense, I help youth to become an important part of the community, and the world.

This is a class that will help me to become a better educator and resource for teachers, youth and families. In addition, I am VERY excited to take this class.