Today I realized it has been exactly a year since I started taking classes on Blakely Island! I had been there for a field trip once before, but it was during the summer that Blakely changed my life. I have always had a bit of anxiety about, well, almost everything, and I contribute the lessening of that to Blakely. At Blakely I learned that there is more to life than worrying about what your life will be like and how things will turn out. I switched the worrying off and just – let life happen.
Looking back through last year’s journal I came across some thoughts I had written while on Blakely:
“I am learning that I can do so much more than I ever thought I could. Usually I spend my days worrying about all of the things I have to do but on Blakely, I feel free. Finally, I don’t feel sick to my stomach worrying about God knows what. Now I know that I don’t have to be afraid. The only thing I have to be worried about is not living my life the way I want to. I want to spend my life enjoying all that life has to offer.”
Blakely taught me a lot. Of course I learned a lot from the classes I was taking, but I also learned a lot about life. The most important thing being, that you must enjoy it. I met so many incredible people that have impacted my life – professors that turned into friends and friends that turned into family (even some of the professors I consider family now). We had so many adventures on this island. From hiking to the top of Blakely peak to watching meteor showers from the middle of the lake to eating an endless supply of cookies, I know the memories made at this place are endless and treasured by many students that have had the chance to go here.
I think anyone could find a place like this. A place you love so much that just being there heals you. Two weeks ago was my last class there. I took pictures of the entire campus making sure I would not forget any of it, even though the memories are too many to forget.
Being outside and next to any kind of water, makes me forget life’s stresses – almost like a reset button. What place holds most of your memories? Where do you go for an adventure or to relax?
If you would like to know more about Blakely, here is a summary of SPU’s Blakely Island Field Station.
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