The Faura Forest

Eyes focused on the red bricks beneath my feet, I walk in a fast pace, muttering softly the things that I still have to do for the day. Anxiety creeps in like a deceitful monster, as I arrive in my next class. Right then, I realize that my to-do list just keeps on getting longer. Multi-tasking is always a must if I want to finish anything on time. I frown upon delays and avoidable errors.

My friends can all attest that I can be very high-strung when stressed. Four years of college have proven that irritability can be contagious and, if left to fester, a chronic condition.

Thus, for somebody who’s impatient, and constantly on the go, Faura Forest is like a little pause button.

Between Faura Hall and Horacio de la Costa Hall lies a forest that extends all the way to the baseball field. For me, walking along the granite walkway that separates into different directions is like taking in the beauty of Ateneo for the first time again.

Sunlight is filtered through the thick foliage of the trees overhead. Combined with the easy breeze and the gentle fall of the leaves, it makes for quite a picturesque sight.
 

I could no longer remember how many hours I have spent listlessly roaming around the area throughout my entire stay in the university, lying back first into the bench staring at the sky or sitting on the grass watching the sunset. 

Losing track of time within that forest got me through the physical, mental and emotional fatigue that comes with pursuing a university degree. Like a bird finally finding a safe place to rest, I found warmth among those trees.

The Faura Forest constantly reminded me, like a recurring gentle whisper in my head—

“My dear, my dear

It is not so dreadful here.”

Riva Felisse B. Antonio (BS Psychology 2013) Photo courtesy of Ms. Antonio