As part of this fall’s Academic English Workshop Series, ELI Lecturer Trisha Dowling collaborated with SEAS graduate student Ryan Yip to offer a special two-part workshop in celebration of LSA’s Year of Sustainability extended theme semester. In the first part, held indoors, participants learned and practiced language for engaging in conversations about topics like the environment, sustainability, and carbon neutrality.

On Saturday, October 12, 25 students reconvened for Part 2: A nature walk in Nichols Arboretum (the Arb). Participants spent 45 minutes walking together, guided by Trisha and Ryan, before branching off for independent exploration. Icebreakers and plant identification tasks added a layer of interaction and learning to the experience. Students enthusiastically embraced the chance to take a break from their studies, connect with peers, and reflect on the natural beauty of this precious U-M resource right by campus, so Trisha and Ryan are planning a repeat of the experience next April!

According to Trisha,"It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm of 25 students joining us for the walk during fall break. Seeing them experience the natural beauty of the Arb was a reminder of the importance of connecting with nature, especially when life is busy. I hope we will have the same energy and turnout in April when we walk together in the Arb again!"

Look out for this and other English workshops in Winter 2025!

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