Beauty in everywhere we go
Leela Stuepfert
From golden eagles in the air, to mountain lions on the ground, to humpback whales in the ocean, the Bay Area is home to an array of wildlife. Students annually set out to venture through the numerous ecosystems that share the same geographical area. “What isn’t there to love about nature?” Ziad Kedkad, a former student at Carlmont, said. “Beaches and forests are perfect. Lakes and mountains are awesome.” By developing a deeper connection to outdoor environments, students have experienced a sense of being a part of something bigger than themselves. “What I especially like about the parks in San Francisco is that they tie industrial development in with nature and it’s almost like we grow as a society in conjunction with greenery surrounding us,” Greta Dooley, a former student at San Mateo high school, said. Serving as a uniting force, the joy and respect those share for nature has sparked prosocial behavior among students who have chosen to work together. “Any trail behind Carlmont is great. There is a whole community of people that come together to ride bikes, hang out and enjoy nature at its finest,” Jacob Got, a senior at Carlmont, said. “Nature has taught me how quickly erosion can occur and how to help prevent it. I go with crews just to fix up trails [and] plant new trees and flowers.” Among the benefits of spending time outside, having something pleasant to focus on such as trees and greenery can direct one’s mind from negative thinking.
“It’s relieving to be able to sit outside and enjoy the sunlight while marveling at the greenery and pretty views around me,” Dooley said. “It helps take my mind off stress in my life. I wish everyone realized how incredible nature was to not just admire but to use as a resource for mental health and relieving oneself of stress.” Nature renews us, allowing us to both feel and think better. While alleviating feelings of isolation, hiking has been an activity that opens the door to creativity and peacefulness. “I began hiking at the beginning of quarantine when I was stressed out about school, frustrated with my personal performance in my sport and recovering from an ugly falling out with someone that caused a lot of emotional distress,” Chris Donatelli, a senior at Sacred Heart, said. “Hiking acted like a form of meditation that allowed me to find peace with everything going on.” Nature has served as a healthy escape from the hustle and bustle of urban Bay Area life. While providing one with solitude and pristine scenery it is a resource that is free and many individuals can access it by just walking outside their door. “My favorite locations are Russian Ridge preserve, Filoli, and the Muir Woods,” Donatelli said. “Going to these areas provide vast detailed landscapes to get lost in as opposed to the suburban monotony I am used to.” Experiencing the beauty of nature increases positivity, especially during the pandemic. “Spending time outside has taught me to remind myself to put things into perspective,” Valentina Baehrle, a Carlmont alumna, said. “Looking at nature grounds will remind you how vast and beautiful this world truly is.”
Leela Stuepfert
18 HIGHLANDER FEATURE
