The Arb: A Rekindling of My Authentic Self
April 19, 2023
Author: Haley Brettschneider
Editor: Keara Keetly
9/28/22 - The sun glistened and leaves crinkled as I walked through the seemingly endless twists and turns of Nichols Arboretum. The green trees encompassing the area emerged as the protectors of the Arb. As I immediately turned my head to the right, my eyes lit up as I saw a large, green field.
I looked towards my friend Lucy, who I had met just two weeks prior, and knew we were thinking the same thing— Arb dance party. As I quickly walked down the embedded wooden stairs, I stepped through a dandelion field, returning to a sense of inner childhood: I simply wanted to lay there and blow the white fluff away.
For the first time since arriving in Ann Arbor, I felt a return to my authentic self. As I danced to the musical genius of Justin Bieber, I skipped through the field, continuing to explore, calling Lucy’s name as I spotted a body of water. There were rocks right by the edge of the reservoir large enough to sit on; they were even close enough to the water that I could hear the water crash against them, but not too close to where my clothing would get wet. Reflectively, a moment such as this one fosters true connection.
This past month, I had been meeting amazing people and having the same superficial conversations, but right now, I felt safe to be my real self in this nature-filled environment.
3/11/23 - I walked outside South Quad and felt the rare Michigan sun hitting my face. I had no jacket on, which I tend to do here, but the 35-degree weather with sunshine was enough for me to want to return to Nichols Arboretum. Those who know me know I had a love affair with the Arb first semester. Whenever making plans, I would suggest going on a walk to the Arb. There were few places in Ann Arbor with endless nature and endless exploration possibilities, which was why I cherished the Arb so deeply. I can recognize the senseless tragedy of when the Michigan wind hit in November, the leaves began to fall, and there was no longer a day above 40 degrees. At this moment, I realized I had to find another hobby. However, something about this March day made me crave going. I was set and content on venturing alone, but when I passed my friend's dorm, I sought out her companionship. I was so excited to be in an environment that made me so content and comfortable since the first semester of freshman year.
Finally, the leaves no longer crinkled as I walked through the Arb. The sun shined in and out as the previous trees that had watched over the area were suddenly leafless and revealed the bleak Michigan sky. The dandelions were gone and the crashing of the water onto the rocks was replaced by the harsh wind.
The components of the Arb that made me so joyful in the first semester were all gone, yet I was still smiling from ear to ear. I was even more comfortable than I was when I took my first steps here in September.
Further, I took this walk as a moment of reflection; I realized how much I’ve grown to feel comfortable in Ann Arbor and with myself. I still continued skipping around the Arb, taking in my surroundings that felt so different and more like home. Now, I love the Arb, and it’s one of my favorite features of Michigan. However, it is not the defining feature of my happiness. It is my internal state that helps me to formulate my feelings and emotions. There are places that I dedicate myself to for self-reflection and authenticity, and that is the arb for me.
Image: Izzy Saunders
