Sereena Kumar
By Sereena Kumar
The greens of yesterday are replaced by the auburn golds of tomorrow. I always feel magic lingering in the air when Fall arrives. This year, I have learned to look up because the magic will disappear under my nose if I don’t. As I watch the seasons change from my window, I am reminded of the changes happening in my life. A new chapter unfurls in December. 18. Adulthood. The Holidays have taken on a new meaning for me. I want to stop and think about what I am thankful for before my chapter of childhood closes. Before the memories slip away, I want to hold them in my palms and treasure them.
“The earth is our true home and it is always there, beneath us and around us. Breathe, take a mindful step, and arrive. We are already at home.” Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese monk and peace activist, emphasizes the importance of “Walking Meditation.” It’s a way to thank Mother Earth and treat her as a sentient being. I have the pleasure of taking a philosophy elective at my school, where we practice Thich Nhat Hanh’s mindful walking outside. Walking on the Earth that has held me for 17 years, I say to myself: Breathe in the cool winds. Breathe out the crunch of the leaves under my feet. I know one thing that won’t change as I walk into age 18—I’ll always be a nature-loving kid at heart. I have resolved not to get wrapped up in what is artificial. Instead, I’ll look at the path ahead and let nature envelop my soul.
Like Mother Nature, who has provided me with a path to walk on, my friends have helped me find my direction. I am forever grateful for my friends who have come from all walks of life. It’s a gift to be able to spot my friends in the busyness of high school hallways, and it’s the little moments with them that make all the difference. Throughout high school, I have learned that it’s better to have a small group of friends who will love me unconditionally rather than a big group of popular friends.
Our relationships are authentic, and I feel comfortable unveiling my raw emotions. It saddens me that my friend group is approaching a fork in the road; everyone has different plans. Despite this, I know our connection, made up of inside jokes and favorite songs, will bridge the physical distance between us. Our youthful enthusiasm and childlike wonder will still be preserved even in adulthood.
I am truly fortunate to have such inspirational parents to look up to and provide me with a steady ground to walk upon. As I see how much they have accomplished, I want to do the same. My mom recently spoke at the first-ever Wake County Educational Summit for South Asians. She spoke with such passion and conviction in her voice. Watching her, I know I, too, can find my voice. When I was a child, my mom’s bedtime stories of butterflies sparked my imagination and have now shaped the writer I am today. Although my home next year won’t be where my mom is, I will still hold her patient voice in my head. Sereena, you are exactly where you need to be. Don’t ever doubt yourself.
We often get caught up in the worries of applying to college and the rush of daily life. But if you pause and look closely, you will see you are surrounded by support. Nature offers gifts in the form of sparkling snow, and the wind whispers reassurance as it softly brushes by your ear. Your family is there, cheering you on to the finish line. To all the high school seniors who are unsure of what is to come: let life slow down. Notice the fall leaves darting through the sky and feel the grass beneath your toes. Over the Holidays, hug your family and friends a little tighter. These moments go by quickly; you’ll only catch them if you look up from the ground and count your reasons to be thankful.
Sereena Kumar is a senior at Enloe High School and has a passion for writing. Contact: slkumar@mycomedical.com
