We go to school in one of the most beautiful places in the country. We live within ten minutes of a famous scenic linear park, the Blue Ridge Parkway and are surrounded by multiple National and State forests. Yet, I often catch myself overlooking how blessed we are to be able to wake up in the morning, look out of our windows and see such beauty. People from across the country come and visit the parkway and our area and only get a weekend to soak in the uniqeness of the Blue Ridge Mountains, but we’re blessed with being able to live here full time for four years.
As soon as I stepped foot on App’s campus as a freshman, I fell in love with the mountains. I loved driving around the parkway, going to look at the stars, watching the sunsets and sunrises, and finding new places to hike. But, eventually I didn’t put myself out there to do those things as much. It wasn’t that I became bored with it, but I prioritized other things since I “hadn’t already done those.”
It wasn’t until I studied abroad for a semester in Belgium that I realized how ultimately blessed I was to be a student at App.
I was studying in a town called Gent in Belgium. Don’t get me wrong, this place was amazing, but it hit me a few weeks in that there was absolutely no nature. Their closest thing to nature was three planted trees in a plaza and a small fake grass garden behind our dorm. After a while, I started going through withdrawal. All I wanted was to put on a t-shirt and shorts and go on a hike. The city was beautiful, but to me, nothing compared to the natural beauty that our mountains create. I longed for the mountains, the grass, leaves, dirt, trees, flowers, laid back mountain people who hold the door for you, and the relaxing vibe that the mountains naturally put off.
After seven months of being abroad, I landed in the United States, and immediately got in my car and drove to the mountains. It was dark when I got there, but I couldn’t stop myself from smiling and being on the verge of tears because I knew I was finally home.
But, that’s what this place is to us: home. I truly believe that students at App have a completely different college experience than any other school. These moutains bring us together and make us a family. It is kind of corny when we are referred to as an App family, but it really is what we are.
Since I have retured from studying abroad, I have made it a goal to watch the sun set at least once a week for the entire year. But, I’ve been going about four to five times a week because I just can’t help myself.
Throughout your years at App, I encourage you to take advantage of where you live. Get up really early with your friends and sit in the frigid wind to watch the sunrise. Waste money on gas to drive up and down the parkway just because you can. Search for hidden hiking trails. Hold the door open for everyone because that’s just how we do things in the mountains. Hammock while doing your homework or just because. Get out and take advantage of where we live because before you know it you’ll have to start paying for a hotel room to see the same things.
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