I spent the first seventeen years of my life growing up in a little town settled nicely in southern Michigan. I resided in a safe and comfortable neighborhood where everyone knew each other and each other’s dogs. I had the same friends throughout school and we pretty much did the same thing every weekend. Countless hours were spent drinking coffee at Starbucks. Or hanging out in basements. Or driving around aimlessly just listening to music with each other. There wasn’t much to do in our little town, and that never seemed to bother us.
I floated through high school with no worries about the future. Like my brother, I was destined for the University of Michigan. I had good grades. I played sports. I joined student council. And deep down I knew that being a minority certainly did not hurt my chances of gaining entrance. As junior year progressed, we sent out our applications, which consisted of Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, or maybe both if we were still feeling a bit torn between the two.
I wrote the best essays for that U of M application. I checked the mail everyday for the next three months, and on that frigid afternoon in early March, I finally received what I had been waiting for. I quickly tore open the letter envisioning that glorious statement: “CONGRATULATIONS ON BECOMING A WOLVERINE!” I was so ready to overwhelm my closet with blue and gold and plan out the next four years with my best friends. But as I searched the letter for that glorious statement, all I found was “Sorry to inform you…”
That letter changed my life. That letter moved me across country. That letter tore me away from my home. From my family. From my comfort. And at the same time, that letter gave me my freedom. That letter allowed me to take on responsibility and mature into a confident young woman. That letter gave me a chance to experience real life, and meet different people. And most importantly, that letter made me realize how fortunate I am to have strayed away from the pack.
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Hi Arthi. It's great to "meet" you on your blog! I love this first post of yours. The story is fantastic; I think describing our failures and the ways he resolve them always make for exciting reads. In terms of your writing, I really like how detailed and specific you were in your descriptions, and LOVE that you referenced the Wolverine mascot as a metaphor at the end of your piece ("strayed away from the pack"). Welcome to the class and I'm really looking forward to seeing more of your writing.
ReplyDeleteBtw, I also loved "Eat, Pray, Love". Can't wait to read the sequel!
I really enjoyed reading your post as it was very easy to follow. Through your vivid dialogue it got my emotions stirring as I have been there many times before. But I'm glad that you are looking at it through a positive perspective and that it has worked out for you so well. Take care and thank you for your comment, I also look forward to reading your posts this semester! :)
ReplyDeleteOh and I am now very interested in reading Eat, Pray, Love. ;)
Hey Arthi!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, love your blog layout ha ha. Secondly, I really enjoyed reading your blog post. I can tell that the move from Michigan to the hot desert grounds of Arizona truly was a life-changing moment for you. I don't think I would have the guts to move out of state, let alone all the way across the country! I admire you. Your story flowed very well and I could relate to it, as I'm sure most of your audience will be able to. It's a reality that never ceases to get the heart pumping! Anyway, great job and I look forward to reading more!
Arthi, I can relate very much to this story. My favorite part is the twist and conclusion at the end because there is growth and character development. I like how your sentence structure also parallels your emotion... example: "from my home, from my family, from my comfort" has repetition, rhythm and choppiness. The enumeration is something many of can relate to in stressful situations. I'm so glad it turned out well in the end for you. Thank you also for sharing a less-than-comfortable topic. Those are always the most interesting.
ReplyDeleteI will speak for my new friend, Jerry, and assume he would relate to your story as well, hahaha. As for his reaction to the pokemon pick-up, he was very amused. It was the perfect icebreaker because through it we connected right away. I have the bet to thank for just how easily were able to get to know each other throughout the conference!
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