As I write this piece, I sit in the Plaza of the Americas content and at peace.
The day is gloomy, yet I still find beauty in the breeze and fog encompassing the background behind my laptop screen. The grass beneath me is slightly rough and prickly, yet I feel calmness surrounded by this greenery that is a mere ten minute walk from my dorm room. The loud voices of the group next to me distract me from “locking in,” yet I can’t help but smile each time I overhear their laughter and conversation.
This may seem trivial, but my appreciative attitude toward Gainesville (and UF) has not always been as it is now. In the first few weeks of being in this town, I was unimpressed by what I discovered around me.
None of the study spots I could find around campus seemed picturesque or cinematic enough for me. None of the nature destinations near campus were Instagram-able enough for my taste. Walking between classes, I was unmotivated and simply trying to get through the day so I could go back to my dorm and watch Netflix or scroll through social media. Instead of taking the time to find what I loved in Gainesville, I came to the conclusion that this place was “just fine.”
Little did I know, there was a whole realm of possibilities around UF—new, bright opportunities I could take advantage of. Not only is Gainesville a lively little town, but I now have the independence to be able to explore it at my leisure. Back home, there were limits to how often I could go out, see my friends and do other activities. Now, the only thing stopping me from having a good time is my willingness to find out how—and where—to do so.
If I want to listen to small artists, local music or even some popular musicians, I can do so at High Dive, Vivid Music Hall or any other venue nearby. If I want to be surrounded by beautiful scenery and refreshing water, the various springs less than an hour away can be my destination for a day trip or weekend getaway. If I want to study outdoors, I can simply go to Plaza (as I decided today), the Fine Arts area or even the Honors Village courtyard.
I eventually realized that I wasn’t enthralled by Gainesville not because of the options, but because I hadn’t learned how to take advantage of them yet. Now, it doesn’t matter to me whether I’m in the most objectively beautiful area with the most modern installations or the most astounding nightlife, it just matters that I’m here. So, I’ll try my best to enjoy it… and you should too.
UF PRISM 