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By Seth Pinson
The Majestic Cumberland flows from the heart of Appalachia to the heart of the Jackson Purchase. Every year, the McConnell Center has a scholar retreat that takes us to a different state park to learn more about our state and be connected with our natural history. I am writing this on the back porch of the Cumberland Falls resort, sitting in a chair that overlooks the river. I cannot see the falls, but I can hear them in the distance. As I sit here at Cumberland Falls Resort and write this, I think of what the Cumberland River is to me. The Cumberland River is the barrier I cross on Briley Parkway to get to the airport or to the mall. It’s the barrier I cross to get into Downtown Nashville, whether it be passing through or on my way to watch an event. It forms Lake Barkley, an integral part of my childhood. The Cumberland meets the Ohio River in Smithland, Kentucky, steps from where my great-grandparents once lived. This river winds throughout Kentucky and Tennessee and provides resources and recreation to millions of people. The water at my house comes from a reservoir created by this river. While I am sitting here writing about some of my experiences with this river, I think of the countless others that have also shared experiences with the Cumberland. I think of the first people that discovered Cumberland Falls and wonder what they must have thought once they got to the ledge. No person has the same experience that I do. Nobody will be able to share the amazement I felt while staring out at this beautiful river. Everybody will have their own fascination with this natural wonder.
I get a similar experience from my back patio. I can look out at the fields around me in awe of the natural beauty that I see and experience. From my patio, I can see fields and trees miles away. I can look up at the night sky and view the stars that are visible. I think of the land around me and the experiences of the people that came before me. My grandfather has talked before about how the land my house sits on was once covered in forest, but is now covered solely in fields. I think of my ancestors that came before me and farmed the land around me. My family has farmed the land around my house and in my area for over 200 years. Most of those stories are lost to time, but I like to listen to some of the stories that still remain and research the documents that have been left behind. Not everybody has the same view as me, but they can also observe their surroundings in similar lights.
Every person will have different experiences in life. I believe that, in life, no two people will share the same experience in life. Even if two people share the same event, they will not have the same experience because we all process our thoughts differently. I think of the countless tourists who have sat in the same chair as me and looked at the same vantage point, but I don’t believe that any tourist will have the same connection that I do. I believe that we take for granted our unique experiences in life. We take for granted the little things in life that make it worth it. There is nothing original or special about looking at this river. At the end of the day, I am just looking at a river and some trees. What is special is taking in the experience and romanticizing the view. Our little pleasures in life make it worth it, whether it be staring at the Cumberland River or whatever you find enjoyable. Find the little things in life that you enjoy and make sure that you make time for them. Take time to go outside and enjoy the nature around you. Think of the history of that land. We will all be gone at some point, but that land will remain there until the end of time. Not everybody will look at a piece of land or a natural beauty and think of something special. They probably won’t reminisce about the history of who has been there before you. I encourage you to step outside and look at your surroundings and I challenge you to learn the history of the land which you now inhabit. Be connected with what you are currently observing. You will not have the same experience as everybody else, but you can create your own story with that land.
Seth Pinson is a McConnell Scholar in the class of 2027. He is studying political science and urban studies.