Jenise Castillo-Reflection Blog-Environmental Challenges and Their Impact on Human Health and Safety

Environmental Challenges and Their Impact on 

Human Health and Safety

Thinking about our Zoom presentation I still remember how nervous and curious I was when I logged into the Zoom meeting for our group presentation. We weren't really standing in front of the class, but it felt just as intense to present over Zoom. We had spent a lot of time getting ready, but I still had that nervous feeling in my stomach that comes right before you speak. I kept telling myself that I knew my part well and that we were all ready.

Setting the Mood Santana began the presentation, and hearing his voice over Zoom made me feel a little better right away. His introduction was steady and clear, and it got everyone interested in the subject. He made it seem like he was talking to each person even though they were on a screen. As he spoke, I felt the energy change. It was that moment when you realize that we're really doing this.

My Turn, Health of the Environment I took a deep breath, turned off my mic, and started talking. I told them how the air we breathe, the water we drink, the temperatures we live in, and the pollution around us all affect our health. I talked about asthma, heat-related illnesses, dirty water, and how some communities are much more affected by environmental hazards than others. I felt like I was with them even though we were all behind screens. That made me feel better about myself. I didn't feel rushed. I didn't stop. I really felt... proud. I could tell people were really listening because my voice sounded steady. I muted myself when I was done, and I felt a wave of relief and accomplishment wash over me. 

Getting Things Going Juan then talked about ways to protect the environment and people so they could be more resilient. You could tell he was sure of himself because his voice was calm and steady. He talked about how to get ready for disasters and how communities can work together to lower risk, which made our topic feel more real and important. What I thought next
was Gabriela, who talked about American values versus global ideas about security and stability. I had heard her practice before, but hearing her present live over Zoom made her words feel different. She compared how the U.S. sees safety to how other countries see it, and it made me think about a few things again. 

Basic Needs and Cost of Living Valentina was next, and since I was done with my part, I could finally relax and listen. She talked about how the cost of living and basic needs affect people's safety and stability. Her explanation of how environmental problems make food more expensive, hurt homes, and raise health care costs really fit with what I had learned. Her words made me think about how everything in life is connected: health, money, stability, and the environment. 

Green Technology and the Growth of the Economy Then Gaitina came and talked about technology that is good for the environment. I thought her part was hopeful. She talked about how things like renewable energy, electric transportation, and eco-friendly new ideas not only help the environment, but they also help the economy grow. She made it clear that things can change and that technology isn't just a problem; it can also be a solution. The whole thing was easy to follow because her voice was calm and her slides were clear. 

Putting It All Together Chasity finally finished the presentation. She always knows how to put everything together, and she had a strong presence even on Zoom. She linked all of our topics security, the environment, the economy, human needs, and resilience and summed everything up in a way that made our presentation feel complete. When she was done, we all took a silent Zoom breath together, the kind that lets everyone know it's finally over.

 I was really proud of us when the screen went back to the full Zoom view. It's not always easy to give a presentation over Zoom. The sound can cut out, people can accidentally talk over each other, and you might not be able to tell if people are really paying attention. But we made it work. We talked to each other. We helped each other out. We kept things in order. And each part flowed into the next so smoothly. I was really happy with how my part turned out. I was nervous before the presentation, but once I started talking, I felt better. Seeing my classmates react to what I said, even if it was just through facial expressions on camera, made me feel like what I said mattered.

 What I Found Out Now that I think about it, I learned a lot, not just about the subject but also about myself: 

• I do a better job with presentations than I thought. 

• Once you start talking on Zoom, it's not as scary. 

• I care more about the health of the environment now. 

• People have to work hard to make a strong group; it doesn't just happen. 

• Every part of a presentation is important, even the little ones. I felt lighter after that Zoom meeting, like I had done something important instead of just turning in an assignment. 

And to be honest, it felt good.