Welcome to my blog!

Hey, everyone! My name is Kerrington Maner, and I am diving into the wonderful world of blogging! I was inspired to begin blogging after I arrived to UNC Charlotte’s campus, at which I discovered the multitudes of personal interests that I have the opportunity to nurture. Since a young age I have had an ever-burning passion for wildlife that was catalyzed by Steve Irwin and his show The Crocodile Hunter. Long-term I plan to enter the world of wildlife conservation where I hope to research and develop better methods for human-wildlife interaction, particularly with intimidating predators such as crocodilians, sharks, big cats and bears. I want to help people understand that the animals they fear have a purpose and place in this world and its many ecosystems. Additionally, I want to work with animals, and become involved in conservation education for the general public in an effort to further the endeavors of wildlife appreciation and conservation. Through this platform one will be able to follow me on my journey! It is here that I will share my ideas, experiences and thoughts for whoever may be interested!

My blog will consist of various subjects and types of entries, ranging from my personal response to articles to doodles to my thoughts on various topics. My experiences as a student, a wildlife advocate and a volunteer can all be expected, as can various other topics (I’d rather not confine myself nor the audience to pre-described limits!). The unifying factor? Other than myself, the subject of biology will be an underlying theme, with central focuses on wildlife and conservation in addition to other ideas.

One of my most forefront goals is to share my beliefs with others in hopes of providing another voice in a world that seems so deplete of that idea. As a Christian, I believe in Creation by the hand of God the Father. When I decided that I wanted to enter the biological world, I knew that my beliefs would prove to be one of the biggest challenges I would face in my journey. However, I decided early on that I would not let this drastic difference defeat me, but that, instead, I would adhere to Romans 12:2 (NIV):
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
I truly believe that this passion for wildlife conservation was planted in my heart by God, and I am spending my time on this earth in pursuit of the plan He has for my life. I don’t pretend to be an expert Christian apologist. Heck, I’m still learning myself! I don’t have what some would consider “substantive” evidence for what I believe. Personally, however, I think that it takes just as much faith to believe in nothing as it does to believe in something. C.S. Lewis once wrote, “Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.” I know that God is alive and living in me; it is because of this unwavering personal evidence that I will not be swayed. It is He who allows me the strength to persevere in trying times, and it is in Him that I will rest.

One thing you may come to learn about me is the fact that I am fairly straightforward. I want to be as up-front and clear as I can be about what I believe and why. So I urge those of you with whom I differ not to take my bluntness personally -- we simply agree to disagree! But I do hope to be a source of encouragement for those who share similar beliefs in this science-driven world. I hope all of you enjoy the content that is soon to come!

Kerrington