By Sara Champlain
My senior seminar class is in association with the English department and focuses on a writer’s creative process. As a facet of this class, we have to go on “artist date” where each person goes somewhere alone to invest in his or her creativity.
Activities range from going on solo-walks to going to Hobby Lobby to buy new paint supplies, but each purpose is the same: to feed one’s inner artist. Because I have enjoyed these activities, I have started to think about the beauty behind alone time.
I am someone who has always hated being by myself; I thrive in big groups with rich conversation and loud bubbling music. However, going on a walk by myself and painting alone has been strangely rewarding. Finding time to where conversation isn’t a requirement and internal analysis is inevitable, is strangely exhilarating.
At APU, we are constantly reminded of the importance of community. While having a support system is an integral part of your success in college, I want to challenge you to take a break from the community. Find time to be alone, where you can date yourself, listen to your thoughts, create new dreams, and rejuvenate your soul.