Salem State Library

I could see myself feeling most comfortable in a lounge chair near the window. I greatly enjoy people watching and watching the clouds pass by in the sky. The lounge chair makes me feel more comfortable in the space and less like I am in a library. The library contributes to the sense of place of Salem State University campus because it overlooks a lot of the buildings student use day to day. There are many windows to allow you to see what Salem State is about. Often in the green area, groups and organizations will meet, showing what the community is all about. I learned that when designing the library, Jason and everyone else really had us students in mind. I also learned about all the things that are available to us in the library. There are study rooms that are available to rent out along with a children’s book area. Through Jason presentation on researching, I learned that a few of the sites I commonly used for research, are not credible sites. I further learned how to tell if a website is credible or not by using the acronym, CRAPP. He also explained that we had access to an online catalog that you can find here: http://evergreen.noblenet.org/eg/opac/home?locg=1 This link is something I intend on taking advantage of. Through our library trip, I also learned that Mapworks is an easily accessible resource. It is a way to analyze myself as a student and when I am having trouble in a certain area, where I can go to receive help. 

NPS Trip

Taking a trip to the National Park Services (NPS) in Salem was a fun and learning experience. I closely studied the importation of pepper other goods. During this time, spices were considered a luxury. However, spices were almost essential to whether or not their food tasted good. Salem made riches off this shipping port. I also learned a lot about how the shipments got documented and paid for and how an average middle-class lived in this time period.  I couldn't help but invision what the people would be like in that time period. What would they wear? How would they talk? While I was nature journaling, i couldn't help but notice what humans have done to disrupt the nice scenery. I thought about what the trees looked like 400 years ago and how high the water line used to be. I noticed the litter around and how it would never look like that before. This build upon my since of place because I noticed how peoples care for the environment has dwindled. I also noticed people fascination in history, making me feel as though people do care about where they came from. Pepper Trade in Salem

Salem is a town that I grew up knowing pretty well. Considering my mom, along with the rest of my family, grew up here. Salem Willows has been a regular summer activity that me and my friends take part in. Going to the arcade, getting peanuts, and walking the pier, peaking what the people who were fishing caught. The Willows is mostly what I associate Salem with because thats typically where I am when I'm in Salem. Aside from the Willows, one of the things I love most about Salem is the people. Everyone is so unique. There are so many different cultures, religions, races, genders, and so much more. Despite their differences, the people of Salem are so accepting. Whether it be though a gay pride flags proudly displayed in windows or cultural meetings, Salem shows their support for everyone. They have things like the Farmers Market, to give everyone an equal opportunity to have fresh fruits and vegetables. At places like the Farmers Market, they accept SNAP, which is a federal nutrition supplement, formally known as food stamps. This ensures that people who are finically unstable can have healthy food for an affordable price. Although I was absent when the guest speakers came, some of the questions I would of asked them are, "What are your favorite parts of Salem?". I'm curious to know what other people think about Salem.