Community in bloom BY HOPE CALLAGHAN Co-Editor-in-Chief
In the unprecedented and confusing transition to in person learning this year, students’ mental health and learning habits have taken a big hit; one solution might be hiding in plain sight. Being a full time student as well as a friend, family member and part of Sequoia’s community is extremely mentally draining. It’s tricky to balance getting good grades, being emotionally open to friends and family and making new memories while also saving time to take care of the mind behind the operation. I benefit deeply from spending time in my own private space, allowing myself to recharge and truly listen to my needs without the conflicting voices of those around me. Oftentimes, what I really need is exactly what I have been told my whole life: to take a walk, enjoy nature, find a quiet place away from where I usually spend my time to reflect and be alone. As the world was overwhelmed, afraid and unsure of what would happen next during the March 2020 COVID lockdown, I started to take short strolls throughout my neighborhood and I quickly noticed how much the greenery itself improved my mood. Flowers, bushes, houseplants and more were all making the dark situation much lighter and, now that students are back on campus, I still feel the same sense of calmness as I look around at the school’s lush, thriving campus. Sequoia’s rich history with nature dates back to 1895, the year that dates the opening of the school and also the beginning of a long list of beautiful trees and plants planted and cared for on campus. According to the school’s website, there are 18 unique types of trees that have been raised on school grounds, some of which are over 100 years old and others planted in the 1920’s and 30’s. It is incredible to think that these magnificent trees survived the devastating earthquake of 1906 and have watched over students as they grew up to become powerful people in entertainment, sports and politics and eventually observed a generation of people that are no longer
