Reflection

Throughout this astronomy blog, I have learned a lot more than I originally could have hoped.  I have expressed it during some of the posts, but I cannot express my gratitude enough for this opportunity to expand my knowledge.  I had been interested in astronomy when I was younger, but it began to take a back seat in my life when I had to focus on my other studies and sports.  Having this project reinvigorated that love of astronomy and was really refreshing and calming, especially during finals week.  I learned about nebulae, constellations, and light pollution in a way that I most likely would not have figured out on my own.  I never really thought about astronomy anymore; I would see stars and comment about how beautiful it looked or something along those lines, but as I grew up, I forgot to show my appreciation for everything.  I am at a point in my life where my appreciation in the little things in life is beginning to flourish; I am beginning to recognize more things to be appreciative about and this was a perfectly timed project.  I was able to truly appreciate the night sky and enjoy every little aspect about it.  I remember one of the nights when I went out to my boyfriend's room, I got out of my car and ended up spending fifteen minutes outside watching the stars.  He actually came out because he was wondering why it was taking me so long and we ended up just standing outside looking up until another one of our friends came out and asked what we were doing.  He then stood outside looking at the stars with us as well! It is in these little moments that I am incredibly thankful for this project and Illinois College. I hope you guys have enjoyed my blog as much as I have! Happy holidays!