As I walk around campus, I feel a sense of rebirth and nostalgia. All of the amazing colors and different hues of red and orange somehow melt the stress of college away. Because it’s Indiana, you can expect the weather on a walk to be warm and humid, and sometimes cold and windy. Each day and each week, the leaves become browner, and my thoughts and cares become fully immersed in the truly eclectic atmosphere that is Manchester.

            My favorite place to walk is the woods behind the baseball field. Inside, there’s a secret magic world where thoughts and phones become silent. Out there, I feel like I am blank and I don’t exist. The sounds of Eel River cover the sounds of wildlife in the area. Near the shore, its muddy, but contains a whole ecosystem of organisms. Seashells gently decorate the area and the trees almost bend towards you like they’re trying to have a conversation with you or keep you company. Squirrels, rabbits, frogs, and crayfish are all animals that I have found in the woods. Outside is no fun if you can’t get your hands a little dirty.

My walks can range from 10 minutes to 1 hour. Even though North Manchester is small, there are a lot of places that one can go to. For quicker walks, I walk to the President’s house from the Switzer Center and back. For longer walks, I’ll walk to one of the two parks in North Manchester or CVS. Each walk, I learn something new about the city. In nature hiking, I was able to talk a few photos of historic houses and visit parks that were no longer than 30 minutes away from campus.

Walking clears my mind and is a great way to get exercise. If you ever are feeling stressed around campus take a walk. If you need somebody to walk with I am more than willing to walk with you. It doesn’t matter where we go, but please, let’s go without a purpose.