I was packing up some of my stuff today to bring over to our new place together. I had already moved my "stuff that I used" and this was just junk underneath the bed and in the closet. I was going through it to see if there were things that I should toss or not and I ran across things that just brought back specific memories. It really just reminded me of the time that I am at in my life - transitional, exciting and crazy! I graduated college about 2 years ago and was just looking at how my style has become more focused. I graduated from the "oh I'm broke and in college and everything at Target is cute and trendy (hey, still is!)" But that was my PLACE to shop! Whew. How I relied on the good old folks at Tar-jay to keep me moving - and this was before the GO! international line.
Then I ran across my old NYU id. Yep, I went to New York University my freshman year of college (set me back a semester or two for graduating!). Most people I meet don't expect that out of my laid-back, southern personality - who graduated from a ACC school. I was at a different place at 18 (obviously!) and wanted to do something drastic and make opportunites for myself. I was just thrilled to have the acceptance, the opportunity and the support of my parents to live in NYC for a year. I loved all that the school and the city was going to offer me. I had visited NYC a few times with my mother and just thought, oh this is the place for me. I applied to NYU with the "oh I'll regret it if I don't attitude" and got in. And off I went - super thrilled and super scared. But two weeks after I moved into my dorm ( concidentally named first name) September 11 occurred. It literally changed my life. Fortunately, I didn't lose anyone close to me but I did learn/lose/change so much. I decided to stay the rest of the year but I was emotionally a wreck and really missed my family. People ask me now, in conversation about why I transferred, "Oh did you hate New York?". Well no, I love New York. I lvoe the people, the pace, the shopping, the restaurants - I mean, its New York. I didn't love events that happened while I was there. I didn't love the threat of terrorism and scares. I didn't love missing out on a typical college campus and atmosphere. And I didn't love being that far apart from the people I loved. I've been back several times to visit and I still love it. Oh, memories, eh?
Then, in the same day, I get an update from an old roommate of mine - who has been out of the loop for about a year and half. I wasn't that close to her, but I still kept wondering in the back of mind, Hmmm, wondered where she moved and what is she doing now. Next thing I know, she pops up with a Flickr account of an adorable six month old!! Wow. We weren't the best of friends (and not really great roommates for each other). She was in party mode (like 5 A.M. screaming, karoke mode), while I was senior 5th year, working a job, focusing on graduating mode. It's just very thought-provoking to see how someone can change their life, so young and so quickly. It's also inspiring to see how a new life can change another. Her son is so precious and she is obviously devoted to his every moment. You never know whats gonna happen.
No comments:
Post a Comment