Riverside sunset
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Me standing on a hill at the old Hanover Country Club taking a selfie.

There's something truly special about seeing the Earth open back up after a winter reset. Throughout the months of January to April, a calmness sets on Dartmouth and the Upper Valley as frequent snowstorms blanket the rolling hills and soften the skies with a light gray film. I've always heard snow absorbs sound, but I didn't appreciate that idea until I walked across the campus during a New Hampshire winter. Everything is so peaceful, quaint, and it's almost as if snow acts as a yearly reset – cleaning the Earth and preparing it for the year ahead. As we transition into the early parts of April, the sun starts to beat down a little bit harder than the weeks preceding. The snow is mostly gone, except in the corners behind buildings and trees where it hides in the shadows. The grass starts to look a little bit greener, and you start to get that first hint of a southerly spring wind. That's when you truly realize just how beautiful the springtime is here in Hanover. The solitude of winter is slowly replaced with everything you love about the outdoors, and it makes you appreciate the outdoor activities you've been removed from for the past few months.


A view of the "practice holes" at the Hanover golf course
Spring means golf season is arriving, and just look how beautiful the local practice facility is! Such a relaxing way to destress from a busy week.

From my two spring terms I've been on campus, there seems to be one picturesque day that hits you out of nowhere and reminds you just how powerful a beautiful, warm spring day can be for you. When you feel that you're caught up in all the college-life intricacies like homework, studying for exams, etc., I'm confident that a quick stroll outside in the newly birthed spring warmth can work wonders for you. It certainly has contributed to my boost in productivity this term. Once I've studied for a few hours and I feel that my focus is slipping away, I merely walk outside, take a deep breath, and walk around the block and stare at nature coming to life. It really is quite remarkable. Just this past week, I took a study break in the early evening around 5 pm and decided to go on a light jog to the old Hanover Country Club, which is now a picturesque spot for hikes, picnics, and runs. I got to the top of the hill that I managed to climb to, sat down, looked out at the beautiful scenery, and took a moment for myself. Not too long after I plopped down, I noticed that I wasn't alone. Two deer were also enjoying the freedom of the spring warmth just a few paces from me.


Picture of two deer about 30 yards from me while I was on my light jog to the Hanover Country Club!
Two friends decided to join me as I recovered from my jog to the top of this hill at the golf course. What a nice surprise!

Without the rural campus of Dartmouth, I don't think I would've appreciated nature and the season transitions as much as I have. Because Dartmouth is immersed in nature, you are a part of it as well. You actively watch the wildlife spring into action around you as the flowers start to bloom and the grass starts to grow. It's truly wondrous, and I hope you have the chance to experience it. I never thought I could have these kinds of experiences in college. I imagined that I would be in some large town with big buildings blocking my view of the nearest naturally growing tree, miles from the nearest trail or body of water. At Dartmouth, I've been able to extend my love for nature that I developed back at home instead of being removed from it.

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