What would she do?
A college girl is walking through a park and comes to where a footbridge has been for years but the area is under construction. She is wearing a sweatshirt, jeans and her two-month old white canvas Tretorns. Would she turn back and take the long way to her destination or attempt to cross the four foot wide stream using rocks as stepping stones? What debate would she have in her mind? Pros? Cons?
What will she ultimately do? Answer in at least 700 words.
As the sun began its descent toward the horizon, casting a warm golden glow across the campus park, Sarah, a college sophomore, found herself facing an unexpected dilemma. Her typical route through the park to her late afternoon study group was suddenly obstructed. The familiar wooden footbridge, a steadfast crossing over the gently babbling creek, was now cordoned off, temporary fencing announcing the area as under construction. She paused, scanning her surroundings, dressed in a cozy sweatshirt, her favorite pair of faded jeans, and her pristine white canvas Tretorns, just two months old and still dazzlingly white.
Sarah regarded the new obstacle with a mixture of frustration and curiosity. The thought of turning back and taking the longer route gnawed at her. It would mean potentially missing out on crucial preparation time for her upcoming organic chemistry exam. She had mapped out her day meticulously to balance study with a quick workout and now this diversion threatened to unravel her carefully planned schedule.
"Okay, think," Sarah muttered to herself, assessing the situation. On one hand, the longer path would certainly keep her sneakers sparkling, avoiding any risk of water or mud. Her Tretorns, though just shoes to some, represented a slice of perfect simplicity and comfort—a reward she had bought for herself after acing last semester’s finals. Yet, trudging around the park would steal away an extra fifteen minutes, moments she couldn’t afford to lose.
The alternative, a precarious crossing of the stream using moss-covered stepping stones, appeared both enticing and troubling. She imagined herself balancing with agility, hopping from rock to rock, reaching her destination with a sense of adventurous triumph. Yet, the image shifted quickly to one of potential disaster: slipping, soaking not just her prized sneakers but possibly her clothes and her day.
The stream wasn’t impossibly wide—about four feet across, give or take. She had crossed similar obstacles on weekend hikes with friends. Yet, the pressure of time and her need for efficiency made this small decision weigh heavily. A debate swirled in her mind, scenarios flipping rapidly like flashcards.
Pros of taking the longer route:
1.
Guaranteed Cleanliness: Her Tretorns would remain spotless, preserving her image and saving her the hassle of cleaning up later.
2.
Safety First: There would be no risk of slipping and getting hurt.
3.
Predictability: The path, though longer, offered predictability and minimal risk.
Cons of taking the longer route:
1.
Lost Time: The additional fifteen minutes might mean skimming through important study notes or missing the first part of her study group.
2.
Missed Experience: Opting out of crossing denies her a small moment of adventure and challenge.
Pros of crossing the stream:
1.
Quick and Direct: On the other side, she would save time, meaning more moments to review flashcards or grab a quick coffee before her session.
2.
Adventurous Thrill: Successfully navigating the stones would add a small triumphant story to her day, a break from the monotony of routine.
3.
Personal Challenge: Embracing a mild risk signified her growth, a testament to confronting uncertainties head-on.
Cons of crossing the stream:
1.
Potential Disaster: One misstep could mean damp clothes or damaging her Tretorns, resulting in discomfort and distraction.
2.
Embarrassment: If others were around, a fall or slip might be witnessed, feeding into her fear of public mishaps.
As she balanced these thoughts, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves above, Sarah realized that the debate wasn't just about convenience; it was about her approach to problems. Did she favor safety and certainty, or was she inclined towards risk and spontaneity when stakes were low?
Finally, a small smile crept across her face, a sign of resolution. She carefully set her backpack down, rolled up her jeans, and tied her sweatshirt sleeves around her waist, making a mental commitment to the moment. With her heart steady, she appraised the stones, noting which ones seemed stable, leaning into her past hiking experiences to ascertain the best path. The moss seemed to coat parts of the stones, a slick green that glistened in the fading afternoon sun, but there were dry patches, glimpses of solid footing amidst the wet.
With a breath of determination, Sarah took her first tentative step, a calculated risk that felt instinctual—her foot landing squarely and securely. She shifted her weight forward, the other foot following. Each step was measured, a careful dance from one rock to another until she found herself on the opposite bank, heart beating a tad faster, her spirits lifted.
The achievement was minor yet immense, a reminder of her growing confidence. Her Tretorns bore a light dusting of dirt on their edges, but they remained, by and large, unscathed. With a sigh of relief and a triumphant grin, she swung her backpack onto her shoulder and resumed her walk to the study hall, invigorated by her small conquest and the lesson learned: sometimes, the path less traveled, with its inherent risks, yields not just a shortcut in minutes but a wealth of self-assurance.