You can sort of think of life as a book. Like a book, life is broken down into chapters that have pretty distinct feels and mental states. I was talking to my class today and we were doing a writing activity and I talked about how as they are currently in their ABAC chapter of their lives, it might just be starting for some of them, but what is going to happen when they turn the page and the ABAC chapter is over? A blank page will be open, with nothing on the page, and they will be the ones who get to write the first words.
This is no different than my current state of affairs as well. I am 22 years old living in Bangkok until presumebly the end of May. This chapter might be a short one, but it certaintly very important. But what happens when I fly back home and literally have no idea of anything? Will my friends be there? What will I do for work? Where will I live? The page is blank, and anything can be written.
Looking back on college I think I achieved many of the long term goals that I envisioned before the 4 year quest began. I wanted to become a valuable member of the Loyola community and be known and liked by everyone I came into contact with. I wanted to make awesome friends that would last a life time. I also wanted to study abroad and open my mind to the world and see that the world is a lot bigger than the east coast. And I certainly changed that by a spur of the moment decision at the last minute the abroad forms were due.
Upon arriving at Loyola I really became aware of why people say college will be the best 4 years of your life, I also realized that I didn't really relate to many people that were telling me this. Loyola is based around going out to bars..( I had always pictured college as people sitting around drinking coffee in a nice common room)
But I spent the first 2 years of college really trying to create a space where people could avoid the rat race of Loyola and take a break and have fun. Actual fun. Not being way to drunk, standing in the corner of a bar, chain smoking cigarettes, with music that is way too loud, not talking to anyone. I wanted to avoid that and have a place with cool artwork, good music, and cool people around to share moments with. And it struck me that I had done that about 1 year ago today, when we had our first annual thanksgiving dinner at our apartment. I had all of my friends over and cooked the turkey, stuffing, rosemary mashed potatoes, and all the fixins. It was awesome, we had a wine bar and great desserts. Everyone came together and we shared our thanks, and enjoyed one of the best meals I have ever had.
It was a great feeling to achieve a non tangible long term goal.
But that begs the question, as this chapter of my life is about half finished, what goals rest on my horizon?
For the remainder of being here in Bangkok my main goals that I had when I arrived here are still in play. Working out and getting into really good physical shape is really important to me, so I want to continue the hard work I have put in and continue working on the physical. The mental cannot be overlooked as well. I want to continue to stay informed, because sometimes I feel that I honestly have no idea what is going on. So for the remainder of my time here in Bangkok I want to work on the physical and mental aspects of my body and mind, and continuing to cherish the opportunities presented, and do some pretty cool things.
Something that I think that most young people struggle with is find a passion. I want to do more research and find topics that I am deeply invested in. I know there are things out there that I love and want to do, but I want to take time to reflect and find the thing that I want to put all of my mental energy into.
Most people spend this time of their lives trying to find the person they want to be with, so I am glad I have that aspect on lockdown. The girl I love isn't going anywhere, and neither am I....unless were doing something together.
"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."
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