I could never have imagined how interesting this course has been.  This has really opened my eyes to the uniqueness of our world.  The social sciences utilized to study human geography are fascinating.  I have told a number of friends and family that if I were just starting my degree, I would seriously consider human studies and geography as a degree and career path.   However, perhaps I would not find this as interesting if I were a 19-year old student as opposed to the non-traditional aged student that I am.  Just the same, this series of courses has sparked an interest that will last well past the completion of this semester.

I have never taken the time to study religion beyond Christianity until this class.  What a pity that more people do not have the opportunity to learn a little bit about religion beyond what they learn as children and carry into adulthood.  It would be wonderful if everyone adult would be willing to open their mind to the concept that other religions are important to the world’s culture.  Imagine how different the world could be if we all worked toward understanding people who worship different faiths.  I cannot help but believe there would be less violence and more peace in our world if only people would be willing to step outside their religious boundaries.

I will always remember this as the semester during which I lost my very dear friend.  She passed away April 5 and her death has affected me so profoundly.  I knew she was terminally ill, but I really was not prepared to lose her so soon.  While reading about Hinduism and the individuals wish to end the cycle of birth, death and rebirth, I could not help but be glad that my friend believed in rebirth.  As I read about Buddhism, I once again thought of her – she always found the middle ground, or “middle way” as Budda taught.  It was oddly comforting to me to study these religions during such an intense grieving period.