Write a description of an place that has some real meaning for you–the tree where you had a tire swing growing up, the dog park where you always take your dog, the oak tree where you sit when you just want to feel calm–any specific place outdoors that has had some meaning to you in your life. Include sensory details that show what the place looks and feels like–specific colors, smells, the way it feels.
I grew up just five minutes from the beach, so it was always right there, easily accessible all year long. It was something I could count on, an escape that was never far away. But now, living five hours away for school, it’s been one of the hardest adjustments I’ve had to make. The distance between me and the ocean has been harder to deal with than I thought. It’s always in the back of my mind, and I don’t always realize how much I miss it until I need a place to breathe, a moment to clear my head.
My anxiety really started affecting my day-to-day life in high school, making it hard to focus on schoolwork, sports, or even just socializing. During those tough times, my mom and I would drive to the beach and just sit, watching the waves crash. Those moments were always calming. Something about staring at the ocean made me feel small in a good way, and it helped me realize that no matter what, life would keep going, and the waves would keep crashing. The beach became my place to reset, a spot where I could take a step back and find some peace. The beach means so much to me, not just because of how it helps me, but because I know it holds a special place for my parents too. When I’m there, it’s like I’m closer to them, even if they’re not with me. The calmness I feel when I’m by the water connects me to them and the memories we’ve shared. I never really appreciated how lucky I was to have the beach so close until it wasn’t anymore. Now, when I go home, I make sure to visit, even if it’s 5 a.m. before I head back to school in Binghamton. It’s one of those things I’ll always seek out, no matter where life takes me. The ocean is still that place where I can find balance and recenter after a rough day.
But lately, it’s been tough watching the effects of climate change hit the beach. Rising sea levels have started to erode the shore, and the ecosystems around it aren’t what they used to be. Sometimes the beach disappears completely, and they have to dredge sand to keep it there. The flooding and environmental changes have really hurt the natural habitats, and it’s heartbreaking to see. The area is definitely changing—some days are better than others—but no matter what, the waves keep crashing. And that’s something I hold on to. Even with everything going on, the ocean reminds me that life keeps moving forward, and sometimes, that’s enough.