Photographer Cristal Vida 22' Recalls Lehman through the Seasons

By Zindzhi Sonyika

Lehman Alumnae, Cristal Vida, shared a collection of heartwarming photos with Lehman weekly. They captured the essence of our campus throughout each of the seasons.

This collection was in part a tribute to her time here and the countless memories she made pre graduation, hence the title, “Beautiful Memories.” Many of us have some type of memories in each of the locations photographed here — I know I do. I still walk past these every day and yet, the images taken here invoke a nostalgic feeling of when I first stepped onto this campus. Everything was so exciting and fresh, because I gave so much attention to all of the moments at that time.

Ms. Vida wrote with this collection of photos, “Being part of Lehman before and during COVID was an experience I’ll never forget.” Very fitting to the title indeed. These images remind us to take a second and appreciate our surroundings and experiences at Lehman, and outside of it. To continue to soak in everything around you, as if it were the first time.

When you find yourself walking to your next class, walk a little slower, embrace your environment, and be in the moment as much as you can. Appreciate the colorful leaves on the ground, the barren branches of the trees, the slowly growing flower buds, or the flourishing greenery. Even take time to acknowledge this painfully cold air, because Spring is right around the corner, and soon our fiery summers will replace it.

Thank you, Cristal Vida, for sharing these moving images of our campus, and being an inspiration for this moment of mindfulness!