University. When considering returning to school, it’s hard to not begrudgingly picture florescent lights, plugging away on a paper while feeling stuck and disconnected inside buildings. When I, Jill, and fellow student Jessy returned to Thompson Rivers University (TRU) this year, these preconceptions were blown away! The multitude of ways that nature is infused into this academic landscape brings a sense of connection and joy to the everyday university experience. Read on to learn some of our fav nature spots on campus!
Cascading Stream
There are certain places where nature meets campus life that draw you in. A beautiful, cascading stream runs alongside some steps on campus—this is one of those places. Picture yourself walking down those steps overwhelmed with to-do’s, when the trickle of that stream empties your thoughts and for a moment, you just are. You then head to class with a shifted mindset.
Jessy taking 5 in the grass
Class is out, and there’s 30 minutes until the next one starts. An all time favourite place to go during these breaks is the rolling fields of grass that sit in between buildings on campus. Laying down on these seemingly perfectly slanted-for-a-nap grassy slopes is an awesome way to take a breather. Or finish your reading for the next class, it’s your call. Either way, when time comes to head into class, feelings of calm and re-fresh follow you there.
Jill finding clarity in the Horticulture Garden
Another favourite place to tap into this connection to the natural world is the horticultural gardens. These gardens not only offer a picturesque backdrop, but the most ideal outdoor nooks to rest and recharge. It is hard to put the beauty of these gardens into words, so in order to let you discoverer them for yourself, I will leave you with these still images.
Jill and Jessy taking it in outside Common Grounds
Now, as much as it would be nice to hide out in the gardens for the remainder of the day, the muffled hustle and bustle of campus eventually draws you back in–which, by the way, isn’t necessarily a bad thing! Grab a coffee from Common Grounds and head for the stairs. Surrounded by hovering trees and littered with beautifully coloured fallen leaves, these stairs offer a place to sip your coffee, read that never ending assigned article, or to just enjoy the hustle and bustle. Although distracting to some, the bustle can create a sense of knowing we are all in the same boat, pushed by deadlines, always on the move, and doing what we need to do to succeed.
View from A/E study nook!
Speaking of deadlines, should you need to study late on campus, head to the third floor of the Arts and Education building. There’s an incredible study area with beautiful panoramic views of Kamloops. Watching the sunset over this land—unceded traditional territory of the Secwepmec Nation—is not to be missed. What a view to inspire you while you work on that pressing assignment.
Integration of academia and nature is not something we have experienced elsewhere. It draws you in and keeps you wanting to return to TRU. Rather than speed walking around campus, this landscape encourages us to slow down and take in the natural world. Here, we can connect to nature in the everyday of university life. We can’t help but wonder if this connection to the natural world might ignite a passion in students to take care of it for future generations to enjoy.
J&J
