Summer at Swarthmore has provided me with more free time than I expected. As an admissions intern, I work from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and I’ve been instructed not to do any work outside those hours—enjoying a work-life balance and all that. While this sounds great in theory, it has left me with much more time than I know what to do with, indicating that I need to pick up more hobbies. Since I have yet to choose a hobby that would be impressive in a “get to know me” game, I have instead been spending my free time reading and going for walks.
The area where I grew up in Los Angeles wasn’t ideal for taking relaxing walks. During the summer months, it was hot with little shade, so I spent most of my time indoors. Here at Swarthmore, however, I am constantly amazed by the calming effect of walking among the lush green foliage and various plants. Even the walk to Target is beautiful! Here’s a photo I sent to my grandmother while I was walking to pick up my groceries.
My favorite green space on campus is definitely Crumhenge. Located slightly farther out in Crum Woods (the woods on campus), it sits in the middle of a large field adorned with a circle of stones surrounding a bonfire pit. My first experience there was during a picnic hosted by ENLACE, the Hispanic and Latino organization at Swarthmore. We enjoyed elote (corn) and other treats while playing oversized board games and tossing a ball around. That day, I made many new friends and developed a deep appreciation for the space.
My next visit to Crumhenge was quite similar. With warmer weather and longer days, the longing for summer began to set in, so my friends and I decided to have an impromptu bonfire. We asked Public Safety for permission to use the space, and they gladly gave us the go-ahead. Two days later, after purchasing plenty of s’mores supplies and some firewood, we had our bonfire. Swarthmore kindly helped us carry our wood down to Crumhenge, but we encountered some difficulties starting the fire. The air was quite humid, making it hard for the fire to catch, no matter how much kindling we gathered from the woods. In a funny twist, we finally succeeded by using a marshmallow! Someone remembered how quickly marshmallows catch fire, so we lit one and tossed it into the pit, and that did the trick.
Since then, I have visited Crumhenge many times. Often alone, sometimes with a book, but always with music. I get lost in its serenity; it feels like an entirely different world from Swarthmore’s campus. Apart from the occasional SEPTA train passing through, all you hear are the gentle sounds of nature—the wind rustling through the trees and the animals going about their daily lives. Sitting quietly in Crumhenge and listening is truly a spiritual experience. I can physically feel my heart rate and breathing slow as I release even the minor stress I didn’t know I was carrying.
Swarthmore students are so passionate and driven that they can become wrapped up in their immediate surroundings. Taking a break from where you live, work, and learn every now and then is probably the best thing you can do for yourself. Although it may seem insignificant, this brief shift can provide perspective and help students appreciate themselves and their efforts. These moments of semi-meditation are so beneficial that I plan to make them a regular practice; I know I will continue this when the new year begins.
