By Bethany Narvaez/nw news editor
As the semester comes to a close and the stress rises, TCC’s scenic landscapes can provide students with an easy way to take a midday break.
According to a study by Stanford University, being in nature or viewing scenes of nature can reduce feelings of anger, stress and fear. The exposure can also reduce blood pressure, muscle tension and heart rate, physical factors that can influence feelings of stress.
Campuses offer students several choices to escape in nature during the school day.
“I like the outdoor campus and really enjoy looking at all the spring flowers,” said SE student Ireland Pike. “I never go outside on campus for a mental break, but I think it could help other students relax.”
Though TR Campus is located in the middle of bustling downtown Fort Worth, just a few feet away from the academic buildings are quiet walking paths and wooded areas where students can retreat between classes.
“I enjoy it [the landscape] very much, especially the front entrance with the waterfall,” TR student Emmanuel Hernandez said. “It is soothing coming into campus. Every now and then, I’ll also sit at the tables outside on the riverside.”
While many TR students said the parking garage prevents them from getting much outside exposure walking to class, Jasmine Dalrymple said she likes to walk outside after parking to get to her classes and sometimes goes outside to read during the day.
“The greenery and plants are pretty relaxing,” she said.
Marine Creek Reservoir on NW Campus can provide students with a space to clear their minds during breaks in their day. The jogging trail around the reservoir offers students a natural way to decompress from classes.
“I like to use the outdoors here to de-stress,” said NW student Jason Dunham. “I like to run, and sometimes it’s more fun to run around the lake instead of inside the gym.”
South Campus offers students scenic views on the patio of the Student Center and outside the library by the bell tower.
“[The landscape] looks good,” said South student Bryant Lopez. “I’m by the library most of the time. I listen to music while I’m out here, too.”
South student Juana Tinocio said she also enjoys the outdoors on campus and likes to use it as a place to study for class.
NE Campus has gardens all over campus, specifically by NCAB, NFAB and NIMC, which helps attract wildlife of all kinds including birds, butterflies and squirrels.
“It’s nice to hear the squirrels and the birds chirping and the wind going through the trees,” NE student Charles Mann said. “The landscape is pretty here. I spend hours in the library, and at least once or twice, I’ll go walk around to clear my head.”
— Also by Anne Francomano, Jason Middlebrooks, Kathryn Kelman and Raegan Scharfetter
