Yesterday, I had the immense pleasure of experiencing  outdoor class at the Duck Pond. My American Literary History professor, Dr. Reed, insisted on having class outside to emulate Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay, Nature.  My class convened on the steps of Solitude, awaiting a difficult quiz we collectively dreaded. However, instead of distributing the quizzes, Dr. Reed instructed us to walk around the Duck Pond and take a couple of minutes to silently observe our surroundings. She specifically demanded that we leave our cellphones behind while completing this exercise. Reluctantly, I abandoned my dear iPhone and walked toward the water.

The Duck Pond was particularly beautiful, despite the cloudy sky. I watched the geese swim, listened to the birds chirp, and reveled in the tranquil silence. I thought back to Emerson’s essay and finally understood his philosophies. Emerson believed that establishing a relationship with nature helped stimulate the intellect and relieve the stresses of daily life. I fully appreciated the Duck Pond as it mollified my inner turmoil. This semester had been hitting me hard. The tests, quizzes, projects, and essays were piling up and I felt extremely overwhelmed. It seemed as if there was no escape from the stress. The Duck Pond saved me from my own fears and anxieties.

My advice to any Virginia Tech student who is struggling with anxiety is to just breathe, turn off the electronics for awhile, and find a relaxing spot on campus. Whether it’s the Duck Pond or the Drillfield, take a moment to turn your brain off for a little while. Your sanity will thank you later!