When I close my eyes at my sit spot, I hear layers of sound–some loud and close, others softer and drifting from farther away. Footsteps, distant conversations, and the occasional car passing blend with quieter, more natural sounds like rustling leaves or the wind moving through the trees. Once I tune out the human noise, I notice how steady the background of nature is beneath it all.

The campus itself is a place where many generational leaders have walked, marched, and celebrated. That history shapes the space: it feels safe, contained, and intentionally designed to protect Black women working toward an education. It’s a landscape built with purpose, and that intention is something you can feel when you sit still long enough.

One thing I’ve noticed, especially in comparison to other campuses, is how roads sometimes divide or separate college grounds. At Spelman, the layout feels different. Campus buildings and paths connect more seamlessly, and even having one main dining hall creates a sense of unity. With everyone gathering in the same place, it feels more resource-efficient and maybe even more sustainable since food services aren’t spread out across multiple facilities.

Spelman’s sustainability practices show up in small but meaningful ways. Water management improvements, green spaces, and efforts to reduce strain on city systems all contribute to a campus that thinks intentionally about its footprint. In everyday life, I notice reminders of maintaining the space–waste stations, shared pathways, and a culture of keeping the grounds clean. These practices connect to broader social justice themes, especially around access: access to safe space, access to community, and access to an environment designed to support Black women’s growth. Sustainability here isn’t just environmental; it’s tied to care, equity, and protection.