Nesconset, A Nice Place to Live

Back before college and throughout my entire childhood I used to believe that the world was the way I saw it to be in my hometown of Nesconset, Long Island. Although the newfound freedom and independence is warmly welcomed there will still always be a part of my heart in that small little town. Upon returning home during breaks I truly feel as if something rekindles inside of me, a new realization of just how important my hometown was to me throughout my life. With my newfound appreciation of my home I felt it only right that I document my favorite locations through a series of photographs. A picture is said to be worth a thousand words and, with all of the memories held in my hometown, these photographs speak volumes to me.

       Nesconset is a small, relatively quiet town where beauty goes often unnoticed by its passing through visitors. As you enter the town you pass a simple, yet still beautiful, welcoming sign in a deep red with radiant gold lettering. Aside from the town name sits a declaration of which I firmly agree with, “a nice place to live.” Hidden behind that sign is the Nesconset Park where my friends and I would spend countless hours playing sports, relaxing or just being kids. Across the street from the park is one of my favorite places though, Gibbs Pond. The pond, so serene, so quiet, was always a draw for when the world got to be too much. Sitting on the end of the dock, usually with a friend, talking and enjoying the tranquility of nature calmed down the most heightened of emotions. I wouldn’t trade those precious moments for anything in the world for they have made me the person I am today.

                                        

           


      Years ago I was in an inquisitive and doubtful phase where I virtually denounced affiliation with any religion; however, today my Catholic religion remains an important aspect in my life. In my church, the Parish of the Holy Cross, the real love of the community can be seen every Sunday. Outside, on the way in from the parking lot, are the Stations of the Cross and a statue of our beloved Mother Mary. Perhaps the most amazing aspect of the church, aside from its impressive stature, is the larger than life image of our savior Jesus Christ welcoming all. My family and I have deep ties with my church, from serving as altar servers to hosting our priests for dinner. The church is my extended family in a sense, my home away from home, a place where I feel welcomed and accepted as I do within the confines of my own home.

                                             

                                                                       

                                                                            

       Although I hold the aforementioned locations dear to my heart my house, my true home, remains to be the core of my affection toward Nesconset. My family goes through a lot of effort to keep our home looking beautiful. Everything from touching up the paint to a landscaping overall, we all pitch in. As a child I used to spend hours running around outside, especially in the backyard. Swinging, sliding and playing made-up games on my old wooden play-set with my three younger brothers occupied a great portion of my youth. A relatively new development is our tranquil pond. Nestled in my mother’s garden, amongst the beautiful flowers and ancient pieces littered throughout, the small pond hosts a myriad of wildlife and offers a nice setting to sit and relax. At my home there exists a couple of recurring themes such as tranquility, acceptance and love as we work together as a family to keep our home beautiful.

      All throughout my high school career I anticipated the day that I could leave and never come back, but a lot of things change. College has opened my eyes and made me realize just how important my hometown really is to me. Although I may have had my share of ill-fated events and unfavorable memories while living in Nesconset ultimately I would not be the person I am today without them. Through completing this project and looking back at the photographs I took I have gained a greater appreciation for what I have as well and relived some good old memories.