Walking through Campus

When I first started walking around campus, it was a necessity, a way to escape the chaos of being in a new environment and living with five people I had just met. I needed some personal space, and walking provided the perfect opportunity to call my mom or sister without disturbing my roommate. It became my moment of peace, a way to be alone with my thoughts. At first, walking served as a way to add quiet back to my life, but over time it grew into something much more significant: a ritual that has shaped my perspective on life.

As I walked around campus, I used the time to explore, not just the physical environment, but my own thoughts. Walking helped me process moments of doubt, especially during times when I questioned whether becoming a teacher was the right decision. When I felt lost or unsure, walking gave me the space I needed to think things through. It became an anchor in my life, a time to calm myself and remind myself that it was okay to still question my future and consider my options.

What I found most interesting was how walking allowed me to slow down, embrace the small moments, and pay attention to the world around me. I started noticing things that I had overlooked before, the way the trees swayed in the wind, the rhythm of footsteps on the pavement, or the quiet solitude of early mornings on campus. These small moments helped me appreciate where I was in life, as they allowed me to focus on the present and take stock of my personal growth.

 I realized that walking also helped me embrace solitude. Before, I tended to feel guilty about wanting alone time, thinking I needed to be constantly social to be accepted. But walking allowed me to enjoy solitude, to enjoy my own company. During these walks, I started to gain a clearer understanding of who I am as a person. I started to understand that I like to keep to myself most of the time and that I don’t need to be overly bubbly for people to like me. It taught me that it's okay to retreat inward and reflect.

 Furthermore, walking allowed me to connect with myself on a deeper level. It became my time to reflect on my life, my goals, and my future. Even when I went home for winter break, I missed the rhythm of those walks. The cold didn’t stop me from continuing the practice, as I explored my neighborhood with the same sense of purpose and reflection. Walking became more than just a physical activity; it became a tool for contemplation, self-discovery, and appreciation for the small things that form the foundation of my life.

Through these walks, I came to understand that small moments of peace can be transformative. It was through this practice of walking that I developed the ability to reflect more intentionally, appreciate the present, and make decisions with greater clarity. Walking helped me embrace the act of self-reflection and personal growth. It also taught me how to deal with uncertainty, calm my anxieties, and reaffirm my choices. Overall, walking has helped me become more grateful, grounded, and self-aware, and it continues to be a tool for ongoing self-reflection in my life.

My daily walks have become the basis for how I view the world. One of my core beliefs is that finding a space of peace is essential to happiness. Whether it’s through the things you enjoy or by creating balance in your life, this sense of peace is a driving force. My walks have been an outlet for this peace in my life and have helped me feel more at ease in my surroundings. These walks have also been how I have shaped my worldview, they opened me up to internal reflection and the importance of growth.