On May 17th I had my graduation ceremony, and on May 20th I moved to San Diego. The title here isn't necessarily an expression of relief; rather, it signifies the sudden and complete end of an entire episode of my life - one whose conventions, routines, customs, and expectations enveloped my sensibilities so completely for five years - and the transition to an entirely new one.
When I started my last year of school, I felt like I still had plenty of time. When I started my last semester, I became acutely aware that I didn't. This last year, and especially this last semester, were the best. Some of the new people I met during the year are among the best friends I've made, and I also developed better friendships with people I already knew.
Part of it was the comfort of familiarity. I had already spent four years in Berkeley and two years in my crazy coop house, so I already knew the area, some people, and how to navigate the institutions. But I also mixed things up, tried new stuff, and took risks. I joined new clubs, dabbled in improv in my last semester, asked girls out even within a month of my graduation, went to events that I had never been to before (such as lovefest). In my last week, I went into the house sauna for the first time ever, twice, and with a naked coed group (crowded and cozy). It was hot in there!
Part of it may have also just been appreciating it more because I knew it was going to end soon. I said several sentimental goodbyes in the last month - they usually involved telling certain individuals that it was a pleasure living with them. I tried hanging out with a girl in my last few days but she didn't get me back in time, so my college experience almost ended on a disappointing note.
Things made a turn for the better on the morning of the day I moved out. I ran into a girl who I had tried to ask out running, but who had backed out because of claims of being embarrassed about being sweaty, dirty, and otherwise visibly exerted around people. She told me that it was nice living with me, and I told her that I always thought she was a really interesting person and that I wish we had gotten to know each other better. She gave me a hug for the first time in the two years that I knew her (though only one year as housemates). We exchanged a few more words, and I left shortly after because my ride to the airport was already waiting.
And now...life is not quite at its best. I'm facing the realities of loan debt, building a resume, getting a job, buying a car, etc. At the moment my social life is nonexistent because my old one has disappeared. I need to build a new one, in a new place and under difference circumstances, while also trying to keep in touch with the friends who are really important to me. I have a new life.
Here are some pictures of what is now the old one:
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dementedhut - May 28, 2010 (05:12 PM) Good luck in the future! |
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honestgamer - May 28, 2010 (05:18 PM) What pickhut said. You now have the tools to make the future what you want it, in theory, and I look forward to hearing about your future successes. |
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zippdementia - May 29, 2010 (11:42 PM) ... and in case that doesn't work, you can always do what I did and go BACK to school! But now as a graduate, which is waaaaay more awesome! I went back when I realized I would make more through school loans (and defering old loans) than I would working... |
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