What is Mountain Day? It is one of the many traditions of Smith College. The president of the College declares a day off from school. The bells ring early in the morning, announcing the expectations that students take the day off to enjoy the beauty of a New England fall–the crisp blue sky, the sparkling colors. We are encouraged to go hike, picnic, wander in the mountains–anything but crack open a book or do any work. I don’t know that I took full advantage of Mountain Days when I was at Smith, and I wish I had.
Now the tradition has been extended, as Smith takes advantage of Social Networking and announces to all the alumnae that today is Mountain Day. Every Smith alumna I am in contact with on Facebook has had something to say, and each of us admit to wishing we could really take a Mountain Day. I think everybody deserves a Mountain Day once in a while, but sadly we lose that when faced with the reality of working in our country. To mix some metaphors; we get on the treadmill and feel like we cannot stop to get off and jump in the leaves instead.
I think that I am going to make it a goal in my life to have a mountain once a year. I know that isn’t always possible, but it is definitely worth trying. Anyone care to join me? If so, I’ll see you in the mountains.
Sep 29, 2010 @ 18:37:33
Great idea! Let’s get some mountains first.