#CONERSTONE OF HOPE

[kaminokyokai]

2025年3月17日

「孤児院学校inザンビア　講演会」が行われました。

講師は、NPO法人礎の石孤児院のザンビアディレクターとして活動されている、ザイオン桜子ムタレさん。

2年前にもお話を聞きましたが、子どもたちのために必要��ことが次々と実現されていることに驚いています。

子どもたちへの取り組みは、まだまだまだまだ…続きます。

おまけです。

夕食は、広島名物　お好み焼き。箸ではなくヘラで食べました。

[xehanortsreport]

(spins around in chair) so one has to wonder: precisely how much was MoM's plan contingent on Xehanort succeeding or failing? Of course with the gazing eye we can safely assume MoM always knew it would end this way...but then, why this way? And even then, Luxu didn't know what the outcome would be - he's merely the conduit for information, not the recepient. One has to wonder if he was wondering if he should hope for Xehanort to win, or if he was hoping he would lose.

After all, it's not like the world crumbling and being rewritten is a foreign idea, and it's not even the first time it would've happened in the series. One has to wonder if a Xehanort victory would've been a boon or bane to MoM's plan. Did Xehanort losing ultimately help push whatever MoM's planning forward, or if the future had predicted a Xehanort victory, would MoM have even gone through with all of this?

And so we ask - between the previous arc's villain and the next, who, then, is the more dangerous? Would Xehanort's victory ultimately have been less dangerous than his loss? Is there a world in which he could've won and MoM still continue his plans? How much of conerstone are Xehanort's actions, and even then what specifically did MoM need to happen?

Personally I lean towards it being the process of summoning KH itself - the gathering of bodies from the past, the invention of replicas, the dragging of the past into the present. I think it didn't matter if Xehanort won or lost as long as people from the past were able to make it to the present - as long as two eras were forcibly smashed together, the worlds connected once more even if in name only. There needed to be a merging of time and only Xehanort was insane enough to pull it off.

But that's just my guess...my game guess, or what have you.

[pbenvs3000w25]

My Personal Ethic as a Nature Interpreter

I recognize that the role of a nature interpreter comes with great ethical responsibilities. My beliefs stem from a lifelong appreciation for nature, an academic background in biological sciences, and hands-on experiences as a camp counselor, hiker, and former scout and cadet. These experiences have instilled in me a strong sense of duty—to educate others about the natural world while fostering a meaningful connection between people and their environment.

Nature interpretation is more than just conveying facts; it’s about creating an experience that inspires respect, curiosity, and stewardship. As I continue developing in this field, my personal ethic is deeply rooted in respect, responsibility, integrity, and accessibility. I strive to incorporate established interpretive principles into my work, including Sam Ham’s conerstones of interpretation (2013)—ensuring my communication is thematic, organized, relevant, and enjoyable (T-O-R-E)—as well as Tilden’s foundational principles (1957) and Beck and Cable’s expanded principles (2011).

At the core of my approach to interpretation is a deep respect for nature. I believe that all ecosystems deserve appreciation and protection, and that nature should be experienced with both wonder and care. This belief is both scientific and personal.

Through my travels to places like Jamaica, my time spent hiking the Torrance Barrens, and visits to farms and conservation areas, I have witnessed the beauty and fragility of the natural world firsthand. These experiences fuel my passion for sharing knowledge and encouraging stewardship in others. I remember being in Jamaica and noticing that every resort bathroom had signs reminding guests to be respectful of water usage because it is a scarce and valuable resource. This simple message reinforced how interpretation can connect people to an issue, provoke thought, and encourage action. These small but meaningful encounters shape my approach to interpretation: encouraging awareness and personal responsibility.

Another responsibility I take seriously is promoting ethical outdoor practices. As someone who hikes, camps, and fishes with a catch-and-release mindset, I understand the importance of minimizing human impact on the environment. In my interpretation, I aim to instill a sense of responsibility by demonstrating sustainable behaviors such as respecting wildlife, following ‘leave no trace’ principles, and supporting conservation efforts. By setting an example and providing context for why these actions matter, I hope to encourage others to become mindful nature enthusiasts.

Nature interpretation is more than just sharing knowledge—it’s about creating meaningful, lasting experiences that inspire stewardship. People are more likely to protect what they understand and appreciate, so my approach emphasizes engagement, storytelling, and hands-on learning.

I really like Ham’s definition of interpretation: “Interpretation is a mission-based approach to communication aimed at provoking in audiences the discovery of personal meaning and the forging of personal connections with things, places, people and concepts” (2013).

I believe that science should be accessible and engaging. My studies in biology have taught me how complex ecological and evolutionary processes can be, but with the right approach, anyone can understand and appreciate them. Science should not feel intimidating—it should spark curiosity and wonder. This is why I strive to balance factual accuracy with storytelling and real-world connections.

One of my key responsibilities as an interpreter is to present well-researched, accurate information in a way that is both accessible and engaging. My background in ecosystems, evolution, human physiology, and agriculture provides a strong foundation, but knowledge alone is not enough. I must also communicate effectively, adapting my approach to different audiences. This means using clear & relatable language, real-world examples to connect science to everyday life, and interactive activities to allow participants engage with the material personally.

To accomplish this, I strive to reach people through all three general learning domains described by Beck et al. (2018). The cognitive domain engages the rational mind by processing information through facts, classification, and logical explanations. This type of learning helps individuals make sense of their environment through methods such as talks, exhibits, and charts. The affective domain focuses on emotional connections, provoking attitudes, feelings, and sentiments. By incorporating storytelling, photography, music, and other expressive forms, I aim to create a deeper, more personal engagement with the subject matter. Lastly, the kinesthetic domain involves learning through movement and hands-on activities. Interactive demonstrations, guided hikes, and other participatory experiences help individuals develop motor skills while reinforcing concepts through direct engagement with nature. By integrating all three domains, I strive to create well-rounded, immersive interpretive experiences that resonate with diverse audiences.

I am particularly drawn to experiential and inquiry-based learning, as I find people learn best when they are actively involved rather than passively receiving information. Whether leading a guided hike, facilitating a hands-on activity, or engaging in storytelling, I strive to create immersive experiences that encourage observation, questioning, and discovery. 

This aligns with my background in STEM outreach, where I have learned to make complex topics engaging and accessible for young audiences. Instead of simply providing answers, I encourage curiosity—helping participants develop their own understanding of nature through exploration.

In addition to verbal interpretation, I strive to follow Leftridge’s (2006) principles for interpretive writing, by encouraging personal connections to the subject, creating tangible connections, connecting the topic to a broader theme, and challenging the reader to think, reflect, and change their actions. By incorporating effective interpretive writing, I can extend the reach of interpretation beyond direct experiences, making it accessible through different forms of media like this blog.

Another approach I value is fostering an emotional connection to nature. Some of the most profound moments in my life have been shaped by personal interactions with the natural world—whether playing the bagpipes in remote landscapes, photographing breathtaking sunsets, or encountering wildlife.

By incorporating personal stories, cultural perspectives, and sensory experiences into my interpretation, I hope to make learning more meaningful. Nature is not just something to be studied—it’s something to be felt. Creating moments of awe and reflection can be just as powerful as scientific facts in inspiring stewardship.

Finally, I see my role as an interpreter as an ongoing journey. There is always more to learn, new ways to improve, and different perspectives to consider. By staying curious, open-minded, and adaptable, I can continue growing in my ability to engage, educate, and advocate for the natural world.

Moving forward as a nature interpreter, I aim to do several things. Deepen my knowledge in areas like ecological restoration, wildlife rehabilitation, and indigenous and ecological perspectives. Improve my ability to engage difficult audiences, including those skeptical of conservation messages. Develop more hands-on, immersive activities that allow people to experience nature directly. 

My ethic as a nature interpreter is guided by respect for nature, a commitment to education, and a passion for fostering connections between people and the environment. By embracing engagement, responsibility, and continuous learning, I hope to leave a positive impact on both individuals and the ecosystems they encounter.

Nature has given me so much—peace, knowledge, adventure. This is my way of giving back. 

References

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage for a better world. Sagamore Publishing

[drsuzy]

The world is looking brighter. The new President Elect is bringing us hope. I’m feeling stronger about losing our babysitter who we love and value so deeply. We’ll do weekly virtual Spanish lessons so the kids don’t lose their elitist European accent. We’ll do yearly beach vacations together, and these kids will continue to feel loved every minute of their lives.

I leave love notes around their desks, hidden in nooks so it surprises them as they open their books or grab a crayon. They treasure these little notes while they are still little and loving Mama is still a top priority.

I am spending the morning training to be a Project Conerstone volunteer in each of their classrooms this year. This will be my third year as a PC volunteer, but with all of the life changes from this pandemic- this role is so much more important. The babies of this community need a person to talk to more than ever.

So instead of listening in on their lessons this morning- I’m learning too.