A Minnesota Fall Break

        For TCU's fall break at the beginning of October, I decided to travel home to Minnesota. I had some other travel options, but ultimately I wanted to travel home primarily to see my family, but also because I knew it would be at the peak of the fall season in Minnesota. Fall is actually my favorite season, as I love the crisp weather and changing leaves, so I was excited to be home and experience a true fall (rather than the 90 degree weather we were experiencing in Texas).

        I took a 7:05am flight home on Thursday morning, which got me in to Minnesota at 9:30am with the whole day free for activities. As I stepped outside, I immediately took in a deep breath of the cool 60 degree temperature. This is the best type of weather, as it is where you may be a little chilly and bundled up in the morning, but then as the day goes on it warms up to the point where it is great weather you can comfortably be outside in. My mom picked me up from the airport and then we embarked on our 20-30 minute drive home. Throughout the drive, all I could do was look outside the window at the beautiful leaves surrounding the road. Minnesota is a greenery filled state, with countless trees and nature surrounding our highways and roads. But, at this time, these roads were filled with the colors of green, yellow, orange, and red, and it encapsulated me to the point where I could not help but stare and take in all of the colors (see picture 1). This admiration was a trend for me throughout the weekend. In every car drive, I found myself repeatedly pointing out how beautiful the trees were to whoever was in the car with me. I tried to take advantage of this beautiful fall by being outside as much as I could, engaging in activities such as going to the apple orchard, shooting at trap and skeet, and sitting outside by a warm fire.

Picture 1: Fall leaves surrounding the road

        As I neared the end of my weekend at home, I decided to go on a long walk so that I could really experience and appreciate the nature I had been admiring. This walk was actually done in the same neighborhood that I completed my first journal entry on back in August, and it was amazing to see how similar but different the area looked with the changing of seasons. Please see some of my favorite photos from my walk below:

Picture 2: Ombre of leaves

Picture 3: Red and yellow leaves

Picture 4: Close-up of leaves on tree

Picture 5: Close-up of leaves on ground

Picture 6: Leaves spiraling around pole

        Throughout the walk, I found myself admiring all of the beautiful colors and leaves, as they essentially created an ombre effect of red, orange, yellow, and green in a way that was amazing and simply had to be appreciated. While I was on this walk, I also found myself reflecting on what is next for me when I graduate from TCU this spring. I personally am torn between whether I want to live in Texas or Minnesota after graduation. There are obviously many factors at play such as family, friends, and jobs, but I also find the weather playing a major role as well in this decision. I believe that weather impacts my mood, and I love that Texas remains warm and sunny throughout the winter rather than the dark and gloomy Minnesota winters. However, when I visit Minnesota in the summer and fall, I am reminded of how much I love and miss the seasons, and it makes me want to move back there after graduation. This trip really gave me a newfound appreciation for Minnesota, as I saw the nature surrounding me in a way I had never seen it before through my greater appreciation and understanding of nature from this course. Regardless of my decision, I find it amazing how deep and introspective of thoughts nature was able to bring up in me, and I really think it shows the power that nature can have. It reminded me of the Emily Dickenson poem and discussion we had earlier this semester about nature being a reflective and even religious experience for many, and I really do believe that is what I experienced while on this walk.

        Overall, I had an incredible nature experience being home for fall in Minnesota. This experience gave me a newfound appreciation and perspective on the nature I grew up with for 18 years, and I think it is a great demonstration of the growth that has taken place in me throughout this semester.

Thank you for reading!

Emily