The Golden Trident

Photos and Story By Addison Bruce

Living in the United States right now may not seem like the “American dream” because if you are not from a systemically privileged class, it has been a constant struggle of inequality and oppression. Living in Colorado may seem better because it’s on a smaller scale, and we have a democratic governor, Jared Polis, and although he has made some poor decisions, he has done a lot to sustain inclusive rights that other states are taking away. Living in Golden, however, is an incredible privilege we should all be grateful for. I am not saying that our town does not have its negative quirks or things we can improve on, but being able to live in and go to school in such a beautiful town is already something some people may only dream of. 

Walking through downtown Golden in the spring, freshly blooming blossoms, vibrant green grass that seems like it was waiting to pop out, a warm breeze with a hint of chill that creeps from afar, and voices coming from all around floating through the air. Birds tweeting, the clear creek river flowing, and cars driving by blend like a band. Aside from all the obvious beauty, there is underlying splendor in everything. If you don’t like worms, maybe you like the dirt and grass that they thrive in. If you don’t like tourists, maybe you love the town they are attracted to. If you don’t like the increased population, maybe you’ll like meeting someone new. If you don’t like the unpredictable weather, appreciate the sunny days when they are around. When you don’t like your life, find peace, love, and happiness in every breath, even if it feels shallow or unheard.

“Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror.
Just keep going. No feeling is final.” – Rainer Maria Rilke

There are many things we have as a community that not everybody does. Most kids here at GHS show up in freshly cleaned clothes, with charged phones, free lunches (unless they go somewhere else for lunch like Taco Bell, Santiagos, etc.), and they are getting an education. We also have wealth from funding for things like homecoming, prom, sports, and events tied to other establishments in Golden. These are privileges that we take for granted. Being grateful is such an important thing that we have lost the value of, because of the negative notion that the saying “Be grateful” has. Often, an adult will tell someone to “Be grateful,” even if the circumstances are not very favorable. Being grateful should not feel heavy or forced; it should feel natural and positive. 

I do want to point out that some struggles are detrimental to a person’s well-being, and being grateful will not single-handedly improve someone’s life, but it can be a good start. I am only a freshman, but I have lived through a lot, and unfortunately, a majority of it has impacted my life to this day. Observing small things around me, embracing my curiosity, and getting fresh air have done more for me than any self-help quote or words of affirmation ever have. When I take a moment away from my phone, relax my shoulders, or listen to music without any other distractions, life gets clearer and I notice things I never have before. The friends, enemies, and memories were all experienced in Golden. Sometimes the fog is too thick to see past, and that is when we stop noticing that every step, every breath, and every second of clarity is worth sticking through. 

Life is beautiful, and through every political disaster, mental or physical struggle, insecurity, or emotion, it will persist.