SECTION 1

I only went on one on-site visit, but it really stuck with me in a way I didn’t expect. We visited the only grocery store still open in Cahokia, Illinois (Schnucks), because the others had closed due to major flooding. Standing there and seeing that this one store was basically the community’s only option made the impact of the floods feel more real than anything I had read or heard before. It wasn’t just numbers or news stories anymore these were real families who suddenly had fewer places to shop, fewer resources, and fewer choices. That moment made me understand how deeply environmental issues can affect everyday life for people who are just trying to get by.

The visit also taught me an important personal lesson. I didn’t take very good notes during the trip, and later one of my project partners asked me for information that I didn’t have. That made me realize that being lazy or not trying my best doesn’t only affect me it can also make things harder for other people who are counting on me. I felt bad knowing I could have helped more if I had just pushed myself a little. I also learned that I shouldn’t be scared to ask my teacher to repeat or explain things. I didn’t take notes partly because it was loud on the bus, but also because I was too nervous to ask questions. Now I understand that asking for clarification isn’t something to be embarrassed about, it’s part of learning and doing a good job.

Another interested part of this project was spending time in the SIUE Archives at the library. It was interesting looking through old photographs of Cahokia flooded in the 1800s. Seeing how long the community has dealt with flooding made everything connect even more, and it helped me appreciate the importance of the work we were doing.

SECTION 2

Looking at the timeline of Cahokia Heights I now know why the floods keep occurring, what the government and state doing to help and the affect it has on the residents. I notice that the flood been happening for over 100 years. The first recorded flood happened in 1890’s and it still happening now in 2020’s it is caused because they built the town low and near the Mississippi River, and because of river over flowing and rain flooding keeps happening. This made me think to solve this problem the state or government needs to put real time and labor to fix the systems instead of wasting time waiting later. 

The government has tried to fix things multiple times with levees, sewer upgrades, EPA oversight, and grants floods and sewage problems still happen. This shows me that it’s not enough to just spend money the repairs and maintenance have to actually get done. If not the whole community and their homes and city can still be harmed. One thing I should’ve did that I didn’t do is go to the Cahokia Public Library or talk to residents which could have helped me learn more. I really don’t know what I want to do next