Nicholas McClure
2/9/12 Eagle Eye View
I am hovering over the trees, having full vision of the hills and mountains that engulf me from below. The mountains are endless, and the view of the Willoughby Lake is clearer than ever before. A pattern of faded mountain peaks in the background complete the scenic view. There is no way you could be upset while looking out upon this picture frame view. A view of Vermont on all four sides of this floating wooden box. Green for as long as my eyes can see. I am an eagle on a watch tower. My vision is focused on the lake and the mountains that surround it. Hidden, untouched, vegetation infested ponds hide in the center of the woods that I look down on. I feel as if I were god looking down on the beauty of his own creation.
Seeing the landscape this high allowed me to recognize the true beauty of the land. I’ve lived in Vermont my first eighteen years of my life. But never have I once seen my home state, the way I saw it on top of Burke Mountain’s fire tower. The mountain is a famous tourist spot in the northern part of Vermont in a little ski and mountain biking town called East Burke. I grew up snowboarding on the mountain and biking down it in the summer. The surrounding towns contain many of my memories, schools, landscapes, etc. that I have become familiar with. The sensation of knowing all my surroundings and being familiar with everything around me was about to disappear.
I was about to travel from the east to the west to obtain a degree in chemistry. I was Montana bound so I could attend the University of Montana in Missoula. The fact that I was going to be in a completely different state without visiting it before my departure, had me more nervous than a worm in a fish tank. Is the school going to look the same as in the pictures? Is Montana all mountains? Is there a lot of wildlife? Questions piled and piled within my head. But the most important question was would Missoula be a place where I could consider myself at “home”?
After being on a train for three days traveling west across the northern part of the country, we finally reached Whitefish Montana. Excitement started to pump through my veins. An hour long car ride to Missoula was the last leg of my journey. The whole hour was like being a baby seeing the world for the first time. Taking in as much as I could, fascinated by everything I wasn’t familiar with. Why are there so many casinos? They have an A&W? Is this like Missoula? I came to the first view of Flat Head Lake. My eyes became glued to this clean, ginormous, body of water. The lake seemed to never end. It wound and had a different shape than I was used to seeing. After passing the lake daydreams of living there started to appear in my head. Montana, so far was what I expected.
Upon arrival I start to stare at the “M” that hovers over Missoula. I finally reached my destination. Missoula was way larger than any town I was used too in Vermont. After figuring out all the one way streets and major intersections we arrive at the university. The campus instantly gave off a good feeling. Nice people, clean, and beautiful. I ended up at the oval after my tour of the school. I sat on the green and ponder. I did it! I had a dream and followed through with it. Missoula appeared to be a “happening” place. But again the question popped into my head. Is this my home? Is this where I need to be?
After getting settled in and familiar with the city, I started to see that Missoula was appreciative of their surroundings. Just like at home, many people wanted to keep their sate clean and live as sustainable as they could. I was hearing about programs, clubs, groups, companies, etc. that we’re all trying to help out environmentally. It was so moving to know that people were on sides with nature instead of society. Because people take for granite how beautiful land can be. But for Missoula’s residents I noticed a deep appreciation for the beauty around them.
My favorite experience in Missoula was the day I fully climbed mount sentinel. I had my pledging class from S.A.E (Sigma Alpha Epsilon, a fraternity on university ave.) to accompany me on my journey to the top. I had many sneak previews of the views the mountain had to offer on the climb up. But as I climbed I started to see more and more of the new state I lived in. After reaching the climax of the mountain I then had a view of all things around me. I could see east, west, south, and north with perfect vision. Just like in Vermont I saw for miles. Mountains and valleys stretched as far as my eyesight could reach. The sun set beaming down on everything I could see. Giving everything a vibrant orange tint. The scenery gave me an instant bond with the city of Missoula. Seeing all of my surroundings just as I did on the fire tower. Having that same sensation as I did in Vermont, I was able to finally answer my question. Was Missoula my new home? And was I meant to be here? The answers came clear to me, Montana was my new home and it was where I needed to be.
Although Montana never gave me any doubts on whether it was a fit for me or not. I tended to question if it still was the best location for me. But over time I became more familiar with the territory around me, and more sociable towards the people who lived here. I fell in love with the Chemistry program and all the opportunities that the university had to offer. But I still did not know if Montana was where I should have chosen to study chemistry. After climbing the mountain and getting the full on view of the state. I realized the true beauty behind Montana’s mountains and valleys. The beauty is so moving that it makes me want to help out as much as I can to keep the beauty and wildlife protected. I know my help might only be recycling, picking up trash, carpooling, and using natural products. But in high hopes, maybe others will follow the trend and start appreciating the environment that surrounds them.
Here I am five months after first stepping foot in Montana. I can honestly say I have fallen in love with this place I call home. From the mountains to the valleys, the rivers to the plains. All that surrounds me is the beauty of nature. And now that I can see the true meaning behind its beauty. It is my job to keep it protected, and just as beautiful for the following generations to appreciate.
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