Why I chose this place?

I chose TRU Lookout (Lot NT) originally because it was out of the way, with very little foot traffic and not many people around. Over the course of the semester, however, I began to appreciate it much more than I initially did. I realized that Lot NT has more to offer than it first appears, including an amazing view of the city and a strong sense of serenity.

What have I enjoyed about connecting with my place?

There are several things I have enjoyed about connecting with my place through the semester. Although TRU Lookout is mostly just a parking lot, what stood out to me above all, was the ability to truly be present during each visit. It can be difficult to connect to a place because of constant distractions, but that was not the case here. The quiet environment created a sense of peace and calmness, making it easier to stay focused and more in the moment.

Which course theme/term idea I found the easiest to connect to my place and what that connection is ?

The course term I found easiest to connect to my place was romanticism, from chapter 4; people and nature. Romanticism is the idea that nature should be respected and valued equally alongside or greater than human life. I found this concept easy to connect with because it reflects views I already held, even though I did not previously have a term to describe them. Even though the TRU Lookout is not directly in or surrounded by nature, nature is arguably still present, from the shrubbery, to the weeds, even the reflection of the sky on parked car windows is nature within the parking lot. Being at the TRU Lookout helped reinforce my appreciation for nature and the importance of respecting it.

One thing I am grateful to my place about?

One thing I am especially grateful for is simply that the TRU Lookout exists at all. It may not always be there in the future, or it could change significantly over time. Because of that, I am grateful I had the opportunity to experience it and build a connection with it during this period.

One reason that my place might feel grateful for me?

Finally, one reason my place might feel grateful for me is that I make an effort to respect it. I show up consistently, avoid littering, do not idle my car, and I keep noise to a minimum. Many people tend to show less respect for paved areas compared to natural green spaces, but I believe every place deserves care. In that way, I try to treat TRU Lookout with the same level of respect as any natural environment.