My favorite place on campus is the woods, not too far from the pond. A path leads into the woods on the south side of the pond, and it's cool, beautiful and very peaceful.

I find this area meaningful because it's quieter than most other places around here. In a time when humans are deforesting the planet and destroying the natural world, the woods brings me joy and comfort — a sense of connection with other beings and the natural world.

I cherish all the creatures — including foxes, hawks, squirrels and birds — and trees growing in the woods. I am also lucky to be able to see the woods and the pond from my desk every day.

— Martha Vest '11
Collection management
technician and copy cataloger