What I Love About Oregon
Written by Luna Chatila
Teacher: Brittany Patterson, 7th grade
Sherwood middle school
Backstory
My name is Luna Chatila, and I am 12 years old in the 7th grade. I came to Oregon during the pandemic because my country Lebanon ( a small country located in the middle east) was going through a tough time. It wasn’t safe, and a war had started.I am forver grateful that I have lived in Lebanon yet I still have family and friends living there I pray and pray that there safe. Moving to Oregon felt like entering a completely different world- one that was peaceful, filled with natural beauty, and so much safer. Oregon quickly becamed my home, and over time, I discovered just how much I love this state. From the towering forests to the incredible coastlines, Oregon has given me a sense of peace and adventure that I never imagined before coming here. Thank you for reading!!!
Oregon is more than just a state to me- it’s home. I’ts where nature feels alive, where every season brings something new to explore, and where creativity thrives in both the cities and the quite countryside.
From the thick forests of the cascades to the bustling streets of Portland, Oregon is a place where adventure and beauty are always close by. What I love most about about Oregon is that it feels like it was made for dreamers and explorers— those who love the thrill of the outdoors and those who cherish the vibrant culture and tight-knit communities.
Growing up in Oregon I’ve always felt connected to the land. One of my earliest memories is hiking through he mossy forests of Mount Hood with my family, the cool air and towering trees making me feel both small and a part of something much bigger. We would stop at hidden waterfalls, the water crashing down in a way that seemed to echo through the forests. Standing there, listening to the sound of rushing water and feeling the mist on my face, I remember thinking that there nowhere else I’d rather be. Oregon’s forests aren’t just places to visit- they’re places that have shaped who I am, where I’ve leaned to appreciate the quiet, peaceful moments in life.
Another one of Oregon’s treasure is its coastline. The first time I saw Cannon beach, with Haystack Rock rising trail from the shore, I was in awe. The wind, the waves, the vastness of the ocean- it felt like I was was standing on the edge of the world. My family and I spent hours walking along the sandy beaches collecting shells and watching the sun slowly dip into the pacific. It’s one of those places where you can feel truly free.
Oregon’s seasons also have a special place in my heart, but summer is my absolute favorite. There’s something about the long sunny days that makes everything feels alive. I love spending time outside, whethe it’s hiking through the forests or relaxing on the Oregon coast. The warm breeze, clear blue skies and endless blue horizon make summerdays feel like they could last forever. One of my favorite things to do is pack a picnic and head to one of Oregon’s many lakes or rivers where I can swim or relax ad enjoy the beauty around me. The waterfalls are especially stunning in summer, and hiking up to them feels like a refreshing escape. Oregon summers are full of adventure, and they remind me just how much there is to explore and appreciate in this state.
But it’s not just nature that makes Oregon special- it’s also the people and the culture. Oregon is known for being a place where people are free to be themselves. In cities like, Portland, the creative energy is contagious. I love wandering through local art market, where artist share their work, from handcrafted jewelery to paintings that capture the essence of the state. The sense of community here is strong, whether you’re sharing a meal at a food truck or attending one of the many festivals. There’s a saying in Oregon. "Keep Portalnd weird." And is true. This state embraces uniqueness and encourages people to express themselves.
What makes me proud to call Oregon home, though, is he way people here care for the environment. Whethe it’s through biking instead of driving, supporting local farmers, or working to protect the forests and wildlife, Oregonians understand the importance of preserving this incredible place for futuregenerations. I love knowing that I live in a state where people share a deep connection with the land and work together to keep it beautiful.
One experience that really opened my eyes to Oregon’s beauty was a road trip. We drove through the Columbia river Gorge, stopping at different viewpoints to admire the incredible landscapes. The waterfalls, like Multnomah falls, were even more impressive in person, cascading down cliffs surrounded by greenery. I had seen pictures of them before, but standing there infront of them, I realized jut how lucky I am to live in a state where natural wonders are a part of everyday life. The trip made me appreciate the beauty of the world around me even more.
In the end what I love most about Oregon is how it inspires me. It’s a place where creativity flows as freely as the the and where adventuresis always just around the corner. It’s a state where you can be hiking in the mountains in the morning and wathing the sunset over the ocean in the evening. It’s where I’ve grown , learned to appreciate nature, and discovered the importance of community. Oregon is more than just a beautiful place- its a part of who I am.
