Cole Parker's Blog

For my last blog, I decided to travel to the Fort Worth Zoo. I chose the zoo because of the amazing wildlife and biodiversity that is preserved at the park. I believe the zoo is a fantastic way for people who don't normally have the opportunity to adventure into the wilderness to get an experience of their own. From a young age, I was always fascinated by the different kinds of wildlife at the zoo. Back home in San Diego, we also have one of the more notable zoos in America. I remember spending birthdays with friends and being amazed by the giant creatures that gazed upon me.  There are various things to observe while spending a day at the zoo. Personally, I enjoy the sounds of the wildlife and the way they interact with each other. It seems that every time you visit there is something new and out of the ordinary. This time around, I was amazed to see a mother elephant playing with her calf. It is stunning how protective elephants are of their youth. Later in the day, I ventured ov...

When my family and I are not in sunny Southern California, we are often in the depths of the Deschutes National Forest in central Oregon. The forest is home to a wide range of wildlife and recreation, perfect for immersing in nature and its beauty. I enjoy mountain biking through the trees. There is nothing like the peace you experience when in the middle of a massive forest. The clean fresh air along with the particular smell of the coniferous trees warms the soul. It is also breathtaking to see the sun illuminate the various shades of green from all of the trees. Throughout my time riding, I also look for mule deer scattered in the area. I believe it is good luck to see a mule deer. They often travel in groups as they look for specific flora to feast on. Another beautiful aspect of the land is the winding Deschutes River. Oftentimes, my family rents river rafts to float downstream. It is peaceful to let nature guide you through the heart of the land. These experiences made ‘The Best ...

Today, I ventured out to visit the Fort Worth Water Gardens with my group. Previously, I had visited the gardens a number of times in the past serving as a frog camp director in 2022. I remembered the gardens as a peaceful place to talk with campers about their goals and aspirations for college.   When I returned to the gardens today, I was amazed at how much I learned. I found that there are “over 500 species of plants and trees” surrounding the park. I had always enjoyed the garden’s nature, but I never understood the magnitude of biodiversity present within the park's walls. I found it interesting to learn about the reasoning behind many of the architects' decisions on building the park. It seemed that the overarching goal was to help people escape from the busy commotion of the outside world.  There are three pools in the gardens designed to immerse people in different microenvironments. Personally, I thought the “Quiet Pool” was the most interesting. The architects c...

Sunsets are some of the most breathtaking sights we can witness as humans. The bright warm colors that fill the sky are unique each and every night.  On November 5th, I was driving back to TCU from the airport when I gazed upon one of the best sunsets I had ever seen. I was blessed to gaze upon a blanket of yellows and oranges stretching across the sky. The cloud cover above was inflamed by the light shining from behind. It was spectacular to witness, considering the city of Fort Worth was directly below. As the sun continued to fall, it created the illusion that the city was in flames. It also produced a beautiful view of the warm colors kissing off of the tall skyscrapers of downtown Fort Worth.  I believe watching the sunset has many health benefits. Not only is it visually aesthetic and beautiful, but it also slows everything down and reduces stress. Exposure to the natural light offers a unique way to embrace nature and the miracle of planet Earth. The feeling of amazemen...

Looking back on my childhood, I often took for granted the beautiful beaches and canyons that surrounded my neighborhood in San Diego. One of these places is the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. The reserve is home to a diverse array of birds, plants, and wildlife that stretch along the coastline of the Pacific Ocean. However, the reserve is most notable for its preservation of the ‘Torrey Pine’, which is a rare species of pine tree facing endangerment. I find it fascinating that this type of pine is only preserved in Southern California, so it always brings a sense of comfort when I return home to see it.  The reserve is especially meaningful to my life and hometown memories. I remember my family and I hiking the reserve’s trails to disconnect from technology. Whereas originally I viewed the hikes as a chore, I quickly learned to appreciate their peaceful nature. I also remember training for football along the warm sandy beaches. Practicing outside of the gym pushed me to work ...

Mary Oliver’s poem “Don’t Hesitate” caught my eye because I believe it has a valuable lesson many people often forget. It might seem obvious, but living in the moment and appreciating the joyful moments in life is an extremely important skill to have when gauging overall happiness. For example, when I was on Thanksgiving break, I took this lesson to heart by enjoying the time with my family rather than giving in to the negative external distractions around me. Whenever I had feelings of joy, I embraced them. I did not give in to the distractions of social media, unnecessary work, or the negative news headlined on TV. Mary Oliver’s poem “Don’t Hesitate” touches on these themes well from the beginning.  “If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don’t hesitate. Give in to it. There are plenty of lives and whole towns destroyed or about to be” This quote emphasizes the need to “give in to” joy. With all the outside noise and unhappiness in the world, people need to remind themselves ...