HSEM IN-CLASS REFLECTION 1

Hello, my name is Brian Canitz and I am a 4th year student at the University of Denver. I am pursuing a dual degree in music performance and biology. I have played trombone since elementary school and feel it is a great mean of expression. I am involved in the wind ensemble and pep bands here at the University of Denver and have a lot of Pioneer Pride. My freshman year i even volunteered as a student manager for the men's basketball team. I love listening to music as much as I do playing it, and can often be found listening to Rock, Hip-Hop and R&B. However, I believe it is science I want to pursue as a career... more specifically marine biology. I was able to study abroad in Australia at the University of Queensland last year and it really opened my eyes up to the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and hope one day I can conduct meaningful research to help preserve this beautiful place for generations to come. I mean who wouldn't want an opportunity to save Nemo and little Squirt! I spent my time this past summer in Florida for a sea turtle internship and it was so rewarding. On top of being out on the beach every morning at dawn and marking turtle nests, I was also able to assist in digging up the nests after hatch-outs and helped many baby turtles into the ocean.

I have always been a well-balance individual. I strive for excellence in the academic, activity and social spheres and try not to let any one of them consume my life despite being an honors student. I was involved in marching band, was on the wrestling team and obviously did alright academically being accepted into a great university ;) Being busy throughout high school taught me to balance my time, prioritize and it sometimes felt like i was center stage of a juggling act.

I am a very logical thinker. I prefer things to have a clear explanation and seek to find answers to my questions in a step by step procedural manner. However, I am resourceful and fully capable of finding alternative ways to find an answer. I think I am the same type of writer. I prefer writing labs and other papers that have a clear format and process to them. I wouldn't say creative writing is a strength of mine. I do think I am an effect reflective practitioner, often looking back upon my days to find if I can draw anything useful from my day's experiences. I often find that it helps me to draw closure to things and reassure me that everything is good big picture before I go to bed.

I hope to expand my horizons and grow as an individual in this class. I hope to see things in a new light and become more open to change. From the way you introduced this class, it sounds like it will do just that and I will be more comfortable partaking in a variety of different, perhaps unconventional, things I am not used to.