Springtime at Lake Matoaka

Despite my crazy allergies, spring is my favorite season, and it’s definitely worth braving the pollen to explore every inch of our insanely beautiful campus. Now that it’s (finally) warmer, you can spot students eating lunch on the Sadler terrace, doing yoga on the Sunken Garden, and even paddleboarding at Lake Matoaka. Yes, I said paddleboarding!

I’m sure you’ve seen or heard of the Wren Building, the Sunken Garden, and the Crim Dell bridge, but did you know that there’s also a lake on campus? (Fun fact: it was named after the figure we know as Pocahontas—Matoaka was her real name). It even has an amphitheater and hosts concerts when the weather is nice. During the afternoon and occasionally at night (when there’s a full moon), students have the opportunity to take out kayaks, canoes and paddle boards. I haven’t actually done this yet, but I plan to go ASAP and as many times as possible!

After discovering the oasis of Lake Matoaka last year, it quickly became my favorite spot on campus. I go there often to read, do work, or just sit on the dock and collect my thoughts. Just a few hours ago, I went there with some friends from a dance group to take some promo footage for our upcoming show. The possibilities on this campus are endless, and inspiration comes pretty easily when you’re surrounded by so much beauty in one place! It’s no secret that William & Mary is a demanding school, and students (myself included) love to hide in the library for hours completing assignments. However, William & Mary is so much more than its classes and academic buildings. We are fortunate to have one of the most beautiful college campuses (and in my biased opinion, the most beautiful), and I would encourage everyone to get to know it. Take a study break and discover your own favorite spot.

– Cassidy Fazio