Unfiltered Knowledge

   In the past two days of Alma I have learned about two very important topics that are not addressed in public school systems, and classes haven't even begun yet, I am still in orientation week.  
   One topic was environmental science and the fact that there are fish advisories available online, that share risks that eating fish present. Many fish are full of mercury and other toxins that endanger child development in the womb, whether the fish is consumed by the mother during the pregnancy, or years before the pregnancy. This is because the extent that Pure Michigan's waterways are polluted. More can be read baout the fish advisories here: http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-54783_54784_54785_58671-255931--,00.html
   Secondly, I've learned that Hitler drew ideas for his concentration camps from boarding schools in America. From the beginning to the 1900s, up until the 1930s, a boarding school existed in Mount Pleasant, funded by the government, to forcefully remove Native Americans from their culture and beliefs. Native American children were forced from their parents in the great lakes regions, to attend this school. Only five deaths were recorded, but investigation that launched in 2011 has found around 200 deaths that weren't recorded by the government. The youngest death was that of a 1 year old named Alice who died of "accidental arsenic poisoning." More can be read bout this boarding school here: http://www.sagchip.org/ziibiwing/planyourvisit/pdf/aibscurrguide.pdf
   It's sickening that topics like these aren't more commonly taught about. Fish is eaten all the time, but women are only warned to cut back on fish during pregnancy. Field trips are taken to Native American museums, but manifest destiny is skimmed across and the Holocaust inspiring schools are unheard of.
   This knowledge that Alma has imparted me with in my very first days sparks a fire in me to make a difference. I now plan to pair my biology major with an environmental studies minor. Hopefully my studies will help me, help humans stop killing this earth. Global warming became a known threat back in the 1930s, yet conditions have grown terrible and awareness has grown little.
   History is not my focus, but a gift that Alma give is a varied knowledge. I can do my part to share what I've learned about America's history, so that future generations can learn, just as we've learned from the Holocaust, an event America readily scorns while remaining ignorant of our past. With out knowledge of these past events, we are less wary in the present and future. Learning about the boarding school in Mount Pleasant made me wonder if there are similar organizations going on today. If we can be so blind to a disgusting and long lasting piece of American history, what's stopping us from seeing disgusting activity happening today?
   I am exited to be at this school that is teaching me so much, igniting my passion constantly, and equipping me with the skills to make a difference. I hope others find their ways to learn and make changes as well.