Dear Mom, 

Have you ever seen the greenest, most inviting, straight out of a college movie quad like Old Main quad? I do not think so. Old Main quad is without a doubt my favorite spot –on campus. It really does feel like its straight out of a movie. There are benches where people sit and do their work, picnic tables filled with groups of friends eating lunch and studying, groups of people playing frisbee in the open space. It truly is the most magical spot-on campus. Did you know there was a campus fire in April 1906, and they rebuilt the building which was dedicated and is still known as “Old Main”, which is one of the buildings that surrounds the quad? (History of the Campus) That is so fascinating.  

Whenever I am sitting either on the grass or sitting on the bench, I feel relaxed. It is the perfect spot for me because I live in the residence hall right behind the quad. I remember one time I had gotten a burger from Element 93 which is right next to the quad, and I decided to have a picnic by myself outside while finishing some work. It was so peaceful. The scenic view is so pretty, especially in the changing of seasons. The transition from summer to fall is beautiful. The sun shining through the trees, the piles of leaves on the grass, pops of green and orange on the ground. Another fun fact about the building that the quad is named after is that the Old Main building reduced portable water use by 34 percent. That is amazing and makes me feel better about the school that I go to. (Sustainability)  

I cannot help but envision the main character contemplating a hard decision or reflecting on themself while sitting in the quad or on the bench. I could also imagine a scene with college friends having a few laughs. It is a very cinematic-looking quad which I appreciate. It is one of my favorite spots just to go and eat or do work. I feel as if I am watching this view on big movie screen. It is even the perfect spot to just sit and think. It is such a nice spot for anybody. People are constantly skateboarding around the quad, there are people playing guitar, it is right next to the college hall where there is constantly live music, groups of people laughing and hanging out in hammocks. It is so special and makes me feel so calm and, in some ways, productive. I know that you would love this spot just as much as I do. This spot is so special to me that I decided to write this letter under a tree in the quad. I would love to show you around the most beautiful spot-on campus next time you visit.  

Love, Ashlee   

 

 

Works cited  

“About New Paltz.” SUNY New Paltz | About New Paltz | History of the Campus, https://www.newpaltz.edu/about/history.html. 

“Sustainability.” SUNY New Paltz | Sustainability | Old Main – LEED Silver, https://www.newpaltz.edu/sustainability/topic-areas/leed-buildings/old-main–leed-silver/.