The rich balance of nature is a dynamic force. It pulses through my veins as we ride through lush Virginia forests filled with big northern oak trees. The windows of the crammed school bus are rolled down and a crisp breeze ruffles my hair. “Summer at Georgetown” has been one of my most exciting life experiences to date. Georgetown University has a prestigious medical school and I visited it to pursue my interests. This day trip was a little break and a way to experience culture, history, and art, all apt for the Fourth of July celebrations of the week.

Upon arriving at Mount Vernon, we saw a grand Georgian style home, fit for the President. Its dignified white walls and classic red roof gave it a stately feeling. Manicured lawns circled the estate and colorful flowers lined the walkways. A marching band in traditional attire played wartime tunes, a tribute to George Washington. He lived on the estate and was the first president of the United States. As we walked through his home, we saw antique pieces displayed in every corner, along with an old sewing machine, a fireplace, and even a silver tea set. The simplicity of the house intrigued me. Something that would have been considered utterly majestic back then would today seem like the common rich-man’s mansion.

The back door opened into a beautiful outside hallway. Long, elegant pillars reflected the warm rays of the sun, casting shadows on the hilly lawn where Washington’s grandchildren must have played centuries ago. I imagined them frolicking about in frilly petticoats, running through the house, rolling happily on the grass, and making a great chaos of things. I giggled at the thought. The sinking sun cast a warm golden haze over the green. It was strikingly beautiful. To top it all off, sparkling fireworks lit up the sky in celebration of America’s Independence Day. Standing there, upon the mighty Mount Vernon, I was entranced and felt a strong connection with the old culture that surrounded me; everything came together. It was truly a perfect moment.

From the broad estate, to the happy green parks, to the hilly lawns overlooking the city, Mount Vernon captures a feeling like no other. It is art not only for its architectural ingenuity, but also for its ability to capture a high culture that is lively and pristine. The architect gathered the feelings of George Washington’s era and left a fragment of it in the countryside. Future generations would be able to recreate it in their own minds, with their own styles. Real art immerses you in your experience and evokes an emotional response in a way that memories stick and last. It inspires reflection and spurs imagination. It can be a fountainhead for creativity and innovation that is connected to our human experience. It connects us with our humanity, with each other, and that is why real art can transcend generations, eras even.