I never thought of myself as being very connected to nature and what it has to offer. I’m from a suburban neighborhood in New York, so I am always surrounded by identically manicured lawns and shrubbery. Seeing the variety of plants, statues and architecture that the Arboretum has to offer for the first time was really amazing.
Starting strong with the fall-themed Pumpkin Fest they put on during October, I was blown away. The amount and variety of pumpkins they had sprawled around the grounds were beautiful and impressive. The sprawling decor also made it such a great photo-op location.
I went to the Arboretum to see the fall foliage with some of my friends a few days ago, and the number of photos we took could probably fill someone’s entire Instagram grid. In my opinion, it is the perfect place to bring new friends, old friends and friends who are gifted at taking photos that capture that perfect, sought-after fall aesthetic.
The variety of foliage, sculptures and art to look at is so wonderful and a great change of pace from only walking around campus every day. Don’t get me wrong, the foliage around campus is very beautiful in all its vivid colors, but to see such a range of flowers, plants, trees and even caves is a nice break from my daily routine. I also really appreciated the birdhouse-looking mini library they had in one of the courtyards.
I immediately felt relaxed and at peace when I walked around a few days ago, much more relaxed than I felt the first time I went. My first time visiting the gardens was for my first English class assignment earlier this semester, when I had to observe my surroundings for 20 minutes at the Arboretum. As a first-year, this was one of my first times venturing out of East Halls, so it was slightly intimidating and very easy to get lost.
I cannot say that I was at ease whilst completing that assignment, but it did give me some background on what the Arboretum actually was and made me curious to explore more.
As winter approaches, I do have some concerns about how my desire to walk around the Arboretum may falter. Heavy jackets and boots do exist, so I think I will eventually make my way over there in December to see the holiday decorations, and even in the depths of February, just to see how it looks in the dead of winter.
The Arboretum also makes Penn State that much more unique.
When I uploaded my fabulous photos to my Instagram story, I expected a few likes from my friends and family. What I did not expect was my friends reaching out, asking whether or not I went to a pumpkin patch and messaging me, “Where was that place you went?” and “Is it on campus?” It made me smile knowing I’d found a special place that I already loved.
The Arboretum also made me realize that college is not always about academics or partying; it is also about noticing where you are and recognizing your thoughts and feelings. It made me slow down and think, which is a valuable feeling to have at such a bustling school.
I will definitely be back again in a few days to go on a walk while FaceTiming my sister, showing her all of the natural beauty Penn State has to offer.