Blue and Green

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Blue and Green

(Written by Ali Bleakley)

Blue and green are the dominant colors of nature. A blue sky, a deep ocean, a green field, an ascending tree: all are symbols of nature and of the earth in her natural state.

Earth is most free where untouched by man, where nature governs; and where nature governs, man can be most free.

I grew up with a love for the outdoors that stemmed from a love for horseback riding. I was fortunate enough to be able to go horseback riding every week and fortunate enough to experience the freedom that is galloping through an open, green field. The freedom of living, even if just for a moment, without man-made influences and technological advances: with just nature as it was intended to be.

However, four years ago when I began studying at the University of Georgia, I did not realize what the freedom of nature meant to me. When the question was asked: “What are you going to major in?” and when the implication was: “What do you want to do with the rest of your life?” my answer was: “I have no idea.”

Now, I am three weeks away from graduating college and the rest of my life is about to begin. I wish I knew as much about myself four years ago when I was asked those questions, as I know now, because now I have an answer.

I want to work for the Earth. I want to work to conserve Earth’s nature and to speak for the blues of oceans and the greens of trees that do not have a voice. I want to preserve our Earth, not only so nature can be free, but also so man ca %tags Health n experience the freedom of nature.

The answer came slowly, but clearly. I was hiking Cerro Chato, an inactive volcano in Costa Rica, in Summer 2012. The trail was steep, the vegetation wild, and the green leaves dripped morning rain. My heart has never raced so fast and my legs have never strained so intensely. However, an experience has never been so brilliant.

As I got closer to the top, the fog grew thicker, but my mind grew clearer. At the summit I looked down and saw the volcano’s crater lake. What once spewed lava, now held crystalline water; a sight I worked so hard to see and a sight I will never forget.

From that moment on, I knew my passion for the outdoors and for nature is what I want to dedicate my life to; so the green fields will always exist to gallop through and so the lakes will always be crystalline blue. So man will always be able to be freed by nature.

Nature’s freedom freed me from indecision and gave me an answer, as I now plan to pursue a Masters in Environmental Conservation.

For those without answers to life’s great questions, be patient and your passion will present itself to you. Perhaps the freedom of nature will even make the questions easier to answer.

This Earth Day, April 22nd, I urge you to see the blues and greens, to appreciate our planet, our Earth. I urge you to respect nature and to allow both yourself and nature, to be free. Lastly, I urge you to allow our world to always be dominated by blue and green.

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Blue and Green

(Written by Ali Bleakley)

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