Change

So I read a good inspirational poster at work tody.  I think it's kind of corny that an inspirational poster actually inspired me.  Anyway, it said, 

CHANGE:  A bend in the road isn't the end of the road, unless you fail to make the turn. 

I remember a friend I used to have would always tell me how much he hated change, and I always thought that he must have a pretty boring life.  So I've got to be grateful for it, even though it's hard. 

Thinking back to when I moved to Hawaii and forward, my life has been constantly full of change.  There have been times where- now to be super corny- life was a highway and I wanted to ride it all night long.  And there have been times where turning that bend was too hard, and I just wanted the road to end.  

So here is a quick review of the last three years, and the changes I went through. 

First was moving to Hawaii:

I was so afraid I wasn't going to make any friends.  But look how excited I was when I did!  I became a part of an awesome team, met a lot of cool people, and made myself at home in Hawaii and in my new major in school.

I made and lost an influential friend:

I remember the first moment I saw this kid, and I remember our following conversation well.  It was the first conversation of many to come, some lasting all night, some which I didn't fully understand, and most making me think in new ways.  He was gifted, and I was lucky to know him.  He passed away the next June, and it was the hardest summer yet for me.  But I got over it, like I never thought I would.  I got through the change.

  Then after returning to school, a new boyfriend, a breakup, and leaving again, I travelled abroad on my own:

I went to the Dominican Republic and got to stay at a couple orphanages and play with kids, as well as teaching English.  It was so fun, and I got to try out my spanish (although at times the kids would get frustrated and tell me I didn't speak Spanish).  I made more friends, swam in the Atlantic Ocean for the first time, and ate way too many fried plantains. 

After returning to my island home, I made one of the best friends I've ever had:

Although our relationship status was a little ambiguous, which made things hard, I always knew I would have a rockin day if I just called him up.  Over the course of these two semesters and a term, we have had way too many Hawaiian adventures together, and have laughed and danced way too much.  Ok, maybe not too much :)

But change has happened once again.  I'm living in Utah, it is June and freezing outside, I am an intern in a real world organization, and for friends, I am back to square one.  Its been a pretty hard transition for me to be Hawaii-less, Jimmy-less, and to have real world responsibilities.  I guess you could say that before I was pretty spoiled.  Here's for growing up, I guess.

The point is, that however it works out, I am confidant I can make this turn.  Looking at my past gives me hope for my future.  Its simply a new bend in the road and I am happy that I get to do it amidst family and with opportunities that will help me grow.