Unfortunately, I often don’t notice this beauty as much during the fall. A full course load obscures the autumn color. Studying masks the refreshing breeze. Above all, stress causes me to overlook the intricate interactions of the natural world.

As I am probably not the only member of the campus community with this problem, I would like to share some snapshots of the early and middle summer that illustrate the peace, splendor and value of our own college habitat. Maybe stopping to look at these photos will inspire you to pause and witness the many layers of campus life that live and breathe without human concerns.

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Fresh dew glistening on the ground, the Maryville College campus brims with beauty on an early summer morning. Photo courtesy of Caroline Redmond.

I recall very clearly the morning that I took this photo. As students walked briskly to their classes and my mind heaved thinking about my many responsibilities, I suddenly stilled. The warm sun, cool breeze and damp ground evoked a feeling of wondrous tranquility.

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A tree in the Gibson Hall parking lot, which has since fallen down, provides an excellent silhouette against a purple summer sunset. Photo courtesy of Caroline Redmond.

Again, taking this photo involved an unanticipated interruption of school-related stress. I was sitting at my desk and beginning an assignment for my summer school course when I happened to look up from my book and out the window. This tranquil scene greeted me and inspired me to take a few moments to look, photograph and rest.

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A lively bird leaps from atop a streetlamp into the wind. Photo courtesy of Caroline Redmond.

After taking the first two pictures by unplanned inspiration and luck, I decided to become more deliberate about my observations of summer nature on campus. This photograph is a reward of that effort. I intended to capture the bird on top of the streetlamp and was worried when it began to fly, but now I realize how the action of flight is even more splendid.

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Sunlight bathes a sprawling tree near the central campus courtyard. Photo courtesy of Caroline Redmond.

Among all the natural forms on campus, trees are probably the most appreciated. Prospective and current students and alumni often talk about how Maryville College’s scenic fields and magnificent trees are strong attractions.

Without a doubt, these trees are of great value. Many of them are quite old, providing not only beauty and shade, but also history. In my opinion, protecting and preserving the trees of this campus should be nearly as important a concern as protecting and preserving its historic buildings.

This tree is a case in point. Although it is not the healthiest of trees and has its share of dead limbs, it continues to grow and flourish, reaching toward the sky in an effort to gain energy. In the process, it enables students to feel immersed in nature just feet from their classrooms, a benefit that many brick-and-cement campuses cannot offer.

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I hope you realize that my discussion of photography and nature is not simply meant to inspire awe. It is meant to inspire action.

These scenes of beauty and complexity are available to all students, faculty and staff. But we will benefit from them only if we take the time to slow down, observe the world and stand up for its preservation. The budding life forms on the college campus are a treasure that should never simply disappear under a swath of schoolwork and responsibilities.

The breathtaking Giant's Causeway on the Antrim Coast of Northern Ireland was one of the J-term group's favorite places. Photo courtesy of Caroline Redmond.

Having just studied abroad during J-term myself (to Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland), I have come to agree with the importance of travel to learning and living. The landscapes, historical sites and people I encountered abroad gave me a richer, deeper experience than any textbook could.

Having just returned home and now approaching the semester, though, I am instead pondering another aspect of travel: its transitions from home.

Some say that venturing to the destination abroad is the most difficult part of traveling. After all, departing from home involves letting go routines, saying goodbye to comforts and leaving loved ones, all in exchange for unfamiliarity and–at times–culture shock. Without a doubt, after the initial week or so of travel excitement wears off, this difficult period of adjustment can be quite painful and overwhelming. Of course, J-term travelers do not have to deal with much of this, at least not until the very end of their trips. It is really those who study abroad for longer periods of time that suffer.

In contrast, others argue that returning home is even more difficult than leaving in the first place. After time abroad, individuals and especially curious students often see with fresh eyes the negative aspects of their home culture as compared to the many cultures abroad. Mass consumption, unenlightening activities and harsh stereotypes can be but a few of the setbacks that greet returning travelers.

Each side of the dichotomy seems reasonable and probably appears differently to different people. Personally, I find myself pretty much in the middle, with a little difficulty leaving home and a little difficulty returning.

On the one hand, leaving home was hard for me, even for three weeks. I missed my relaxing winter break with its late mornings, my set routines with their comforting predictability, my reliable communication with instant phone or Internet discussions and my fiance with our general good times together.

On the other hand, coming home might yet prove to be a challenge. For the first few days after my return, being back in the United States was great; I slept in my own bed, saw my fiance and just generally relaxed. Now, though, a relentless wake-up call chimes: the semester. The few days when castles were my classes are over, and now I have to become accustomed–yet again–to hours of reading, writing, projects and assignments. Experiential learning can be emotionally taxing, but traditional learning is just as difficult in its own ways.

I know the college is full of travelers more experienced than me, people who have been to 20 countries instead of three, for months instead of weeks. Thus, I welcome your insights! Have you experienced more tension upon leaving home, or returning? Was the lack of comforts abroad or the stifling routine of home more treacherous?

Whitney already mentioned that national politics have recently been dominating news coverage and student discussions. Thus, I thought I would add a little of my two cents.

Almost everyone from Maryville–and, on a larger scale, Tennessee–knows that the state and its local districts are undeniably red. Democrats in the state, unless working for national or interstate campaigning projects, had little to do except wheedle a few votes from the Republicans.

This does not mean, however, that there are not fierce–and sometimes painful–political debates within the state. I look to my own family for justification of this fact. True, they are almost unequivocally Republican-oriented. However, there are still those couple of Democrats who either kept their sentiments longer than most of the family or recently turned to them. No family gathering, no meal and no holiday season are exempt from political backbiting. There are not enough sarcastic comments for members of each side of the spectrum to hurl at one another.

My point is that Tennessee might be red, but that is only because the red has outdone the blue, not because there is no blue at all. When different sides live within the same state, town and home, bickering is bound to erupt. While I think debate is worthwhile and even necessary to a healthy nation and economy, I can’t help but wonder if it is really necessary to divide families down the middle, or in my case, into a strong majority and flimsy minority.

Thank goodness most of us are away from home, right? Not quite. Come to think of it, roommates’ political feuds might be even more perilous…

In other news, if you are in the Knoxville are and you use Twitter, tag any election tweets with #knoxelect. Then check knoxnews.com to see your update on the site!

If you hadn’t heard, Lamar Alexander won the senate again. That’s all for now! Hope you voted!

Regards,
Whitney
(Follow me on Twitter!)

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Regards,

Whitney Downing
Highland Echo Web Editor
http://echo.maryvillecollege.edu