To me, Amherst, there's something about it being a ground zero, maybe in particular Emily Dickinson's house, her space that initiates a great movement in spirituality in America, the fresh country, a Buddhist leaning Transcendentalism that inspires great thought and study, seeing the Self in other things.  You can't miss it, really.  It helps formulate your words, your thoughts, your tastes, your desires in life.

When you are a college student, perhaps you're too young to grasp it, a selfless wanting for the sweet things, the gentle things of life.