After a long trek from TCU’s campus to the Trinity River, Mary Lauren and I finally find solace
from the oppressive Texas mid-afternoon sun under a tree. We allowed our belongings to fall on the
ground and our bodies to fall onto the park bench. Under my breath, I curse Texas’ climate. After a
mutual sigh of exhaustion, we decide to commence “reflecting.”
Observing the Trinity River, I notice how biology and chemistry collaborate together to create
the scene in front of me. I take note of the relationship between the sun and the water. The sun’s
warmth evaporates the water, creating the clouds that in turn block the sun’s rays, casting a large
shadow. Further down the path, I could almost physically feel the relief felt by the dog-walker
feeling the cloud’s sun-blocking effect. The sun’s beams warm the air. Having a lower density, warm
air rises. Cooler air rushes to fill the empty space, creating the wind that ripples the water and rustles
the leaves above our heads.
Through a collective effort, the sun and the water labor to nurture the plants. The myriad of green
shades I observe are a direct consequence of the plants’ chlorophyll pigments absorbing the sun’s
rays, and reflecting a scale of green. A critical ingredient in photosynthesis, water travels up the
xylem in the plant stem to the leaves.
My thoughts are interrupted by a young family taking a stroll through the park. A young mother
briskly power-walks on the pathway, while moments later her son trails along, asking her could we
please go slower? The leaves rustle above my head, and the breeze follows it.
My favorite part about “reflecting” in a public place is when you come to a realization.
Admittedly, most people don’t look at the Trinity and think the same thoughts I do. Being a natural
science major definitely skews your perspective. Everyone has a unique perspective. While I sit and
contemplate clouds and chlorophyll, the boys fishing across the river from me are observing life
through a different lens. You get so immersed in your own thoughts, then you remember everyone
around you is completely immersed in their world as well. While a biochemistry major might
daydream about the hydrogen bonds in the river, an engineering major may contemplate the physics
of the reflection of the water. An English major may consider the symbolism of water in The
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and an environmental science major might gag over how
contaminated The Trinity actually is.
We all perceive our surroundings through a lens, and what we expose ourselves to in our life
molds our lenses. I let another sigh go as I took in my surroundings: the calm river, the trees with
rustling leaves. The relief of the breeze was brief, yet appreciated. After gathering my last thoughts
of my reflection, we gathered our belongings and began our hike back to campus.
