Campus landscape architecture: Retreat and Renewal

Whenever I thought of the University of Texas at Austin, architecture never came to mind. Now that I am actually here and I walk around, the buildings are a very big component of the University. Back home in Dallas, I would always have those “special” places where I always went just to get away from the rest of the world. Here at U.T., I have not found that “special” place yet but I hope I do. As Newman said, “it is a place which wins the admiration of the young by its celebrity, kindles the affections of the middle-aged by beauty, and rivets the fidelity of the old by its associations” (314).This university has so much to offer for all types of people and I know there is a place for me but I just have to find it. There are a few places that may become my new retreats like the turtle pond, my dorm room, and the library.

One of the most beautiful places on this campus is the turtle pond. When my friends took me there for the first time, I was so mesmerized. It was so gorgeous. I love seeing all the little turtles swimming around there. A sense of peace and relaxation just comes over me every time I go there. Whenever I get out of class, I just find myself going there and I just sit there to think. Sometimes when I am stressed out about school, I go there and contemplate. Jones comments on Waller Creek saying “it is psychological therapy” (660). I feel the same way about the turtle pong. Whenever I leave there, I feel refreshed.

Ever since I left home and moved here to Austin, my dorm room has become my “home away from home.” Now that I have put up my own pictures and decorated it the way I want, I feel comfortable there. Everything that I need is right there in that room. Nobody can come bother me when I need to be alone. It is also a fun place. My friends usually come and visit me and we can just hang out. Although I don’t feel as secure and safe like I do in my room back home, it is a start. Since most of my friends live in the same building as me, so whenever I need someone to talk to; there is always somebody there for me.

One of the places here on campus that I probably spend most of my time is the library. U.T. is known for challenging its’ students and it definitely challenges me. There is not one moment that I do not have assignments to do for one of my classes. Usually if I want to do my homework, I can’t do it in my room. There are just so many distractions so I go to the library where it is quiet and I am able to focus. I’m always able to get all my work done and study even if it takes me all night to do it. I really like going there though since it gives me a chance to concentrate on whatever I need to.

Now that I am pretty far away from home and I am on my own, I need to find a retreat here on campus so I can feel at home. Even though I have not found one yet, I know I will. I just know this is the right place for me. The turtle pond is the perfect place for anyone, especially for me, to go and just get the sense of tranquility there. My dorm room is just a place for me and my friends to hang out and socialize. A lot of my time is definitely spent though in the library. So many students go there for the peace and quiet to study. I just hope I continue to discover new places on campus where I can go and maybe even become my new “special” place.