Author | Alex Woolf |
The hundred-year eclipse, widely said to be a memorable occasion in this century’s history, spread across the news and the entire internet; people expectantly awaited the awe-inspiring display. Some, such as myself, decided they had other priorities, like school, socializing, or even sleep. Personally, I heard of people who went out of their way to not see the eclipse by stopping school to watch a movie, or standing as far away from windows as possible.
"Why try to blind yourself looking at the eclipse, when you can go on google?"
-Robin Still
But, for those of you who enjoyed the beautiful sight, you will look back on that day with a smile and say, “I witnessed a hundred-year phenomenon.” If you were like me and decided to watch the eclipse on the display of your computer screen, then you might appreciate the chance to grasp a more vivid picture of a true eclipse experience. I interviewed students who viewed the eclipse more than five hours from home to get their perspective.
As you probably know, a survey was sent out to all of Scholars Guild and, for those who have wondered, Evie and Elise Metz were the people farthest from home during the eclipse. Evie and Elise watched the sky grow dark and the light of our sun fade from Mexico Beach in Florida. They observed from the reflection on their car, which they both described as “looking like the moon at night.” Also, they noted that the sun made a crescent-like shape when covered by the moon. Many Scholars Guild families, much like the Metz family, stood hours from home beholding the spectacular event. Though I did not watch the eclipse, speaking with those who did and enjoying their memories with them has given me a feeling as if I was really there. I encourage each and every person to become an honorary journalism member for a day and ask people about their eclipse experience and enjoy the memory of their viewing with them.
The Great American Eclipse spread from one side of America to the other for the viewing of millions. “Beautiful,” “miraculous,” “life-changing” -- a few terms many used to describe this event. Although not everyone’s life was changed, the solar eclipse was a perfect reminder for everyone of the beauty and power of God. This one phenomenon brought people together and caused families to venture to never-before-seen places, all to watch something God has crafted. Eclipse day became a day of fellowship and gathering of families who stopped for the same sole purpose- some it was to watch a solar eclipse, others to hide from it. Either eclipse watcher or not, it is my hope that you walk away with a fond memory of the day of the eclipse and all the people, popcorn, or adventure you enjoyed during that day.
