Something I have been thinking of since yesterday in Austin is the importance of the people around you. I used to have so many more "friends," people I surrounded myself with when I was growing up to make me feel important, special, popular whatever. Truthfully I think they were always extraordinary people, and I wanted to feel extraordinary growing up in the suburbs. I still talk to some of them, but I think when you are young you let anyone in without thinking about the effect they have on you. As I get older I keep pairing down the friends I have. Now, I feel like I have this handful of amazing friends: a few from New Jersey, a few from college, a few from SMU, a few from my travels around, and a few from Baylor. I appreciate this, as everyone who I am friends with effects me so much more. Somewhere in looking for myself in college and early in grad school I actually think I lost myself. These friends are my road map back. I know this is a sappy thought but whatever.
I was looking for jobs today in Argentina, Brazil, California and Portland I remember doing this exact same thing senior year of college. I was scared of going to grad school, scared I'd fail out or wasn't good. I thought maybe getting a job was the way to go, and after 4 years in D.C. I knew I was addicted to other cultures. I loved trying new cuisines and I was regretting not doing latin american studies and becoming fluent in a language. I looked for jobs teaching english in Argentina which lead to looking at jobs all over South America. I just wanted to be fluent in a language and take a year off from my life. A professor told me to stop going down that path, that I'd regret it. I'm glad I went to SMU and got the masters, but I am beginning to think I am ready to follow that path, it's one I won't regret. I am tired of living in one state for so long, and even more tired of living in Waco. I think I've learned what I can from this place and I'm ready to move on. I am so looking forward to seeing Jules, Matt, and Kristen in May. It really can't come fast enough.
3 comments:
you forgot one. just sayin.
What did I forget?
Amen to that! ...Ugh, I know what you mean. I haven't really talked about this, but I too am considering a move after I am done with my tenure in the Bay (maybe back to Colombia for a bit? Maybe the EU?). It's still to early to tell though... but i agree with whatever sentiment makes you feel like you've been in one place too long (for me it's Davis... at 7 years, I am the worst offender).
I need to call you and we should chat! :) Miss you!
xo
S
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