This project explores the centuries-long call of the wild that resonates for people overwhelmed by the demands of modern life. In particular, the PRF project makes a connection between self-help genres of the 19th-century and the mental health and wellness discourse of the 21st, which calls upon us to “touch grass:” to put down our digital devices and spend time in nature.
Sarah Weiger is an Associate Professor of English and Environmental Studies at the University of Portland, where she also serves as Director of the Writing Program and Writing Center. She is originally from the Great Lakes and received her PhD in Literature from Cornell University, where she studied literature and the environment. She is interested in the stories we tell about weather and climate.
Year: Sophomore
Major/minor: Organizational Communications/English
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Why PRF: I'm excited to be part of the "Be here Now: Touching Grass in the 21st Century" project with Dr. Weiger because the environment and environmental activism have always been passions of mine. Being able to directly dedicate time to my interests within the scope of my major is an outstanding opportunity and allows for me to further develop my own ideas and beliefs in regards to the environment and technology today.
Year: Senior
Major/minor: Political Science & Global Affairs/Spanish
Hometown: Hubbard, OR
Why PRF: This past spring I had studied in Spain and experienced the regional blackout in late April. The thought of being disconnected from technology altogether seems impossible and frightening, but my city remained peaceful and lively. In connection with the "Be Here Now" project, I hope to explore if purposely engaging in the popular “digital detox” is even possible and how this activity might look when so much of life is consumed by technology.
University of Portland
5000 N. Willamette Blvd.,
Portland, Oregon 97203-5798
503.943.8000
