Final Thoughts

When I first signed up for this class, I did so because I wanted to get over my fear of insects. I think I have accomplished my goal. One reason for this is that on one of our very first days in class, I held a live, Madagascar Hissing Cockroach. The funny thing is, I didn't even freak out. Before learning so much about these creatures, I never took the time to even think what purpose they serve or if they are even harmful at all. For instance, most of the time, a yellow jacket or bee will only sting in self defense when provoked. This is also true of spider bites. Most bugs do not just go around harming people, unless they are frightened, or it is vital to their survival. Mosquitoes only bite humans and other mammals because they need blood to survive. I never took time to stop and realize how irrational it is to be afraid of these creatures. Just because they are somewhat different than us does not mean we should fear them. We should appreciate what they do for our world. Some insects keep pests down, and save our crops from being destroyed. Others, such as honey bees, play a vital role in pollinating plants and flowers. Some insects just have rad characteristics. The dragonfly can see 360 degrees around at any given time, and cockroaches can live for weeks without a head. While bugs still give me a little panic, it is not near as bad as before I took this class, and experienced how interesting and neat insects are. I think I will always consider things I have learned in this class when I see any insect. I will always recall the information that I know, and it will help me understand these creatures that can seem so different and creepy to us.