As a first-year student, my college experience can be described as “unusual” due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. After a year of being trapped inside, I began to recognize the wonders of nature and the outdoors.
The first few months of college, I spent many nights and afternoons walking through St. Olaf’s Natural Lands. When I began to meet new people, walks through the Natural Lands became bonding experiences that were both COVID-19 safe and an exploratory adventure.
Throughout the semester, I continued to escape outdoors with friends, and our walks quickly became consistent. The sunsets in the Natural Lands bring me peace as I marvel at the natural beauty of nature.
Because of the memories and friendships from my first semester of college, the Natural Lands is one of my favorite spots on campus.