Life's Simple Gifts

When first applying to university, a rural location would have been a dealbreaker for me. Now, looking back, I wish I had taken the scenic route.

Growing up in Maryland suburbs along the Chesapeake Bay, I found joy in the forest and seafood. Many of my family members live on acres of land in upstate New York and Missouri, where I get to witness the true beauty of this gift we call life. They embrace a simple lifestyle; gardening, canning, baking, caring for livestock, and buying close to nothing from the grocery store. My grandmother recently moved to western North Carolina, where the mountains, her garden, and friendly cows that come right up to her property line for crackers create a picturesque haven.

The city has its pulse, but there’s something profoundly grounding about the rhythm of rural life.

The Colliers in Missouri, though not family, are such sweet, god-loving people, whose kindness I cherish near and dear. On their farm, there is not a single cold winter morning that the cattle, sheep, horses, chickens, field dogs, and even emus don't need some fresh feed and water. As I stood on the porch one evening, watching a sky of vibrant sunset hues, I felt a profound sense of belonging. I longed for the tranquility, connection to the earth, and genuine bonds with family.

My education is essential, but I started to question if my path truly aligned with my values. My family's simple lifestyle was filled with lessons about sustainability, connection, and the importance of knowing where our food comes from. Their way of life contrasted sharply with the fast-paced consumerism in city living. I now see beauty in both worlds and understand that both experiences shape who I am.

I envision a future where I could merge these worlds, bringing the lessons of the land into the urban hustle. The city has its pulse, but there's something profoundly grounding about the rhythm of rural life. It taught me the value of balance — between ambition and simplicity, noise and silence, community and solitude. Perhaps one day, I'd have a few acres and live next to the forest, but until then I will care for all the house plants and animals I can, a reminder of life's simple gifts.