On June 23rd, 2009, I graduated from Columbia High School. Today marks the two-year anniversary of the close of a chapter in my life. As I sit here on a bus headed to job training, I've begun to reflect on how my life has changed, as well as how it has remained the same.
Hit the jump for more.
Let me begin with the basics. I'm no longer in the attic of the house I lived in for the first 18 years of my life. I'm now living in an apartment in New York City with two of my best friends, fresh off living in Italy for the past 4 months. I still occasionally take a moment to realize how incredible that is. How many people my age get to live in Europe for an extended period of time? I'm incredibly grateful for that, and I will cherish those 4 months for the rest of my life. I'd say I'm slighty slimmer, and now rock a full beard and mustache (on my grown man status!). I have found two main hobbies- biking and photography- and I love doing both. My experience and portfolio as a photographer is growing every day. And the odometer, albeit a metaphorical one, on my bike continues to add mileage. My latest adventure was a bike ride to Red Hook Park with a friend to a free Talib Kweli show.
No disrespect to kids at big state schools, but I believe that living in the city has matured me more than I could have if I went to a school with a campus. It's crazy to think that had I not gotten into NYU, I most likely would've gone to University of Maryland; College Park. (WOW!) NYC is the greatest city in the world. You can walk 5 blocks, and feel like you are in a totally different world than you just were. This city doesn't stop for anyone. If you're not mentally ready for the fast pace, you will be left behind. I realized early on how incredible it is that so many people can live in such a dense area yet it all just clicks. Everyone gets by.
It's also home to some of the most amazing people I've met, including my OldSchoolMovie family, my other roommates and many more incredible individuals. Whether its through school, various jobs, or just through mutual friends, I've met people from all walks of life. I've made friends with people who come from millionaire families to people who live in the projects. Being here has opened my eyes to the disparity that exists in the area. It's incredible hanging out in a friend's loft in SoHo one day, then going to another friend's government-assisted apartment on 61st and Amsterdam the next. Regardless of living situations, these are some dope people who offer me glimpses into lives that I was not familiar with.
One thing I have not experienced in the past two years is a meaningful relationship. Sure, I've had some flings here and there, but nothing that has lasted. I'm not sweating it though; I know the right one will come in or return to my life at some point. So why not just have fun until then?
I also have to recognize the people from back in New Jersey who have been instrumental in my life. Unfortunately, in the past two years I have lost two incredible grandparents: my mother's mother and my father's father. But what they have instilled in me, both in life and death, has helped shaped me into who I am. I have definitely had my struggles with my immediate family as well. But their mistakes only reinforce the adult and parent that I will become.
Of course, time and distance can change, and often strain relationships. But I've learned that, and please pardon the corny-ness, the bonds that have been able withstand two years of being in a different state are meant to last. Some friendships with people from Columbia that I would love to have right now have faded. On the flipside, I've even become closer with a few from Maplewood and South Orange. One thing I've become aware of is that there are people who will be your friend because of convienance. I admit, I've fallen for these fake friendships in the past couple years. But no more. To those people I say this: Yes, I have an apartment in New York City. But fuck you, you're not staying with me.
Living in the same town for the first 18 years of your life has its pros and cons. Its great because Maplewood truly does, and always will feel like home. I know the town like the back of my hand. But I never really knew much outside of that suburban lifestyle. Moving to NYC really allowed me to be introspective and see where I fit in society. I have definitely become a lot more secure and content with I am in relation to the people around me.
Although a lot has changed, I feel like my core has remained the same. I'm still the friendly, always smiling, optimistic, swagger-full person. Music is still a central point of my life. And just like when I applied to school in senior year, I still want to be that teacher kids have that they will always remember.
So, its been a helluva two years. I can only begin to speculate where I'll be two years from now. Who knows, maybe I'll be preparing for Grad School. Maybe I'll be on a plane to Paris! All I can hope for is that in the next two years, I grow and enjoy life as much as I have since graduating high school. Check back with me June 23rd, 2013, and we'll see.where I am.
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