​What I Love About Oregon

Written by ​Nayarrah Paz Sosa

​​​Teacher: Aaron Hill, 8th Grade
Estacada middle school​

Facing the waves, my toes filled with sand in no other place than Lincoln City, The fresh breeze hitting my face just right. Despite my drenched hair and soaked sunburnt hands. I hollered "Aguas!" To my parents, knowing they wouldn't want to get caught in the water. That Spanish word describes what I love most about Oregon, its bodies of water. 

The rivers, ponds and coast paint memories for me and most that nothing can replace. Such as watching my dogs touch the waves for the first time. Or rather tears merging with the sliver of Clackamas River that neighbors the small town of Estacada, grieving those same critters. The cold water acting warm when my heart froze. Even a bride preparing herself to capture her happiest day with a click in Cannon Beach. The atmosphere, feel and ocean scent, a cherishable day for her and her beloved. While me and my friends attempt photos of our own with an IPhone XR. Capturing a cherishable day in Cannon beach as well, dreading to go home the next day. 

The agreed title for myself and many of what we love most in Oregon is the bodies of water. Each droplet of water carries and makes memories, irreplaceable ones. A furry critter sun bathing with waves. To a memory of sharing grief with a river. The Oregon coast can make joyful memories for both a bride to be and a teenage girl, being there in our youth and adulthood. To oceans and puddles, even that can mean something to anyone. Take a beach trip with family or cry near a lake. Despite anything the water waits to listen to you or pull you into a loveable embrace.​

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