Finding Nature and Adventure at Barnard
When I was applying to colleges, I knew I wanted to be in New York. I’d lived in a very small town for my entire life and I was so excited at the prospect of all of the exciting opportunities New York has to offer. But when I began at Barnard, I was surprised to find that I missed the woods. While I love being in New York, and I’m so happy I go to Barnard, I feel most comfortable when I’m in nature. I struggled with missing nature when I first came to campus, but I found some of the ways to come to feel at home in New York by finding ways to get outside and finding a community of other people who love nature as much as I do.
One of the simplest ways I’ve found to get back to nature is by finding ways to get outside while in the city. Right on Barnard’s campus, we have a lovely lawn that gets pretty crowded on nice days with students lounging in the sun or eating lunch outside. It’s great to soak up the sun on campus, but it can also be great to get off campus and go to one of the many parks around New York. Riverside Park, right beside Barnard, has incredibly beautiful sycamore trees and an amazing view of the Hudson River. Whether you want to look at all the dogs walking by or go for a run or just enjoy the sun while sitting on a bench, Riverside has something for everyone. We’re also not far from Morningside and Central Park. Morningside has a beautiful duck pond and some really nice gardens, and I even got a job my first year walking dogs in Central Park. Some of my favorite memories are in parks around the city, at picnics with friends, or going to practice rollerblading. While the city can feel crowded and overwhelming at times, it’s a relief to know that green space is never too far away.
Another really important part of this transition to being at Barnard and living in New York has been the Barnard Outdoor Adventure Team, or BOAT. BOAT has been so important to me during my time at Barnard. BOAT leads camping trips, day hikes, and other outdoor events. The nice thing about BOAT is that it’s a very relaxed club and you can come on whatever trips you like. My introduction to BOAT was the first-year hike that they lead every year. This hike and every other trip I’ve been on with BOAT has been a great way to meet new people and get outside. I’ve met some of my best friends through these trips and camping and hiking has made me much less homesick. I love BOAT, and this year, my second year, I’ve helped to lead these trips. I love BOAT because I’ve been able to get outside, build community, and meet people. I’m so grateful for how much the club has helped me feel more comfortable at Barnard.
Being able to get outside and enjoy nature makes it so much easier to come back to school and feel refreshed and happy being in the city. Going on trips with BOAT, or even just a short walk in the park brings me peace and comfort and helps me feel centered. Being outside reminds me of who I am, and I’m lucky to have found these ways to remember that even in a big city. While I had never lived in a city before coming to Barnard, I’m so glad I do now. And even though I can get a little nostalgic for a starry night, I’ve been able to find ways to enjoy nature even in New York and meet other people who also love being outside.
-Mo Russel Lead