Tuesday October 5, 2021 was a day like no other. My first class held at Middlebury’s famous Knoll. I typically hate the journey uphill because it’s long and pretty empty. However, as I walked further, I noticed that a flink of cows were consuming their daily grass. It was my first time seeing cows so close in nearly fifteen years. Needless to say, my journey became joyous. 

My peer and I arrived at the top of the hill and sat. As I sat on a crimson Adirondack chair, I observed the beauty that Middlebury had to offer. I was intrigued by a type of coniferous tree. It looked like a christmas tree, but better. It was full and stood tall and proud. The dull green of the tree beautifully complemented the bright green grass and blue-grey sky. It was such a breathtaking view; I couldn’t fight the urge to take out my phone and take a photo.

The photo I took of the coniferous tree at the Knoll.

Soon after we were called to head down the hill and meet with Megan Brakeley. After a quick round of introductions, she asked to do something I have never thought about doing before. Instead of analyzing what we saw, she proposed that we take a moment and acknowledge what we didn’t see. An observation shared was the lack of electricity. I was struck by this; I’ve been to the Knoll many times and have never realized how there is no electric light source. There was only one solar panel closer to the top of the hill to provide a source of water. 

As we shared what we couldn’t observe, I was fascinated by the lack of electricity. I learned that the only source of water was powered by a solar panel. I was left with a question regarding the solar panels lined up near the entrance to the Knoll. What do they power? It’s a question I will be able to answer soon.

Furthermore, I was also taught that the flat grass area that runs along the path up to the student garden, serves as the area where food for local animals is grown. I was staggered. I had believed that it was grassland that served no purpose. It was astonishing to think that all the times I have walked through the path, I have been walking next to what would be later consumed by local animals. As I walked back I no longer felt like it was a long and empty walk. It became a fun journey that sparked my interest in the soil, grass, and everything else the Knoll has to offer.