The Power of a River

The Power of a River
by Claire Roberts (2020 cohort)

        When I was younger, my family and I would spend our summers in northern Michigan at our cottage.  My sister, Grace, and I filled our days adventuring along the river that ran through our backyard.  Before leaving for the summer, my Dad would always tell me to go down to the dock and say goodbye to the river. It has become something that I always do before leaving. I sit on the end of the dock, and lean over to let the water flow through my fingers. I just watch the river flow for a few minutes, sometimes just closing my eyes to take in the sound of the water gently hitting the dock. Leaving without saying goodbye and acknowledging the role it has in bringing my family together seems disrespectful.  I do not feel compelled to bid farewell to a lake or an ocean, but a river, a river is different somehow. In a way it represents our lives. If I had returned to that river the very next day, it maybe have appeared to be the same, but the water that is flowing through it is new. A river is always transforming, not unlike ourselves. That river brought me and my family closer during the summers. The time we spent there brought us all a sense of renewal. This was the first time I experienced the power of a river and this year I have seen it again. In our program, we have people from many different walks of life, majors, hometowns, and viewpoints. However, we are a cohesive group that supports and respects each other. It has been so incredible to look at all the members of my cohort and see how each and every one of them has really grown this semester. While the river behind my cottage will always hold a special place in my heart, it is the Great Miami River I am thankful for now for bringing together this inspiring group of people.