Reflection Bench

The Reflection Bench by Megan Tran, YWA member 2026

Traveling along the gravel stones that fill the gaps of the bridge, the water streams in an east  direction, where the lake begins to merge with land to form a pathway. As the fireflies glitter from the rays of sunlight, the pine trees sway with the current of the wind. From the valleys, blue jays soar across the skies and above the water, almost touching the surface. On a sign, the birds land, perched up proud, taking in the breeze and the scent of the pink flowers that have barely bloomed from the gigantic cherry tree. 

Whilst the travelers take their steady pace along the bridge, they exit out of a gazebo to be welcomed by the vast number of lily pads that share the same pink hue of lotus. Taking their surroundings in, they come down the steps to be met with dozens of stepping stones that wind next to the water, barely the same level, but the rocks are left dry from the golden shimmer of the lights.

At the end of the pathway, the same birds twitch their heads curiously, as they watch the new writers take a seat at the reflection bench.

Reflect. Dream. Write. Grow.

Every word is short and concise with their meaning. Amongst the lettering, a design of leaves and a heart are drawn underneath, with the same pattern engraved on every piece of wood, except for the tree that lies above.

Underneath the branches, students receive the privilege to relax and pick up a journal that lies next to the lightly stained oak bench. In each diary, the thoughts of every writer on campus can be found, packed with intensity, emotion, and ideas. Grabbing a new journal, newcomers  can discover that their name automatically imprints on the cover for them.

If there are any raw feelings that the writers wish to express towards the public, they may do so on a community board, where those that require answers or familiarity with certain recollections can open up their opinions or personal experiences. Though some may have not encountered certain areas of life yet or at all, they may find those that have shared their thoughts. Of course, this method goes vice versa, where every student is allowed to bring their own memories to the community and make use out of them, only if they allow it.