I currently work as a scientist in North Dakota where I study how individuals learn biology. I love being able to know the best ways to teach and talk about the complex intricacies of life through a biological lens – ones that bring wonder and awe to students. But as an educator and researcher, what science and what I teach in my class is only knowledge. Some of my students will actually care about a topic and want to do something about it because of what they learn. Most, however, will not.

It’s easy to take the many blessings we might personally have for granted. We don’t often think about the investment and cooperation that was needed for us to enjoy clean water, nutritious food, and clean air, or how lucky we are to have those privileges. A changing world reminds us that those privileges can become harder and harder to come by.