I used to ask myself: How did I end up on the water when all I wanted to do was go to college in a big city? Well, I found my answer within myself:
I grew up about 20 minutes from the most famous place in the world, New York City. My every goal was to get to know the routes and streets of it. I thought I was destined to attend a huge University in The City. My mother, doing her research as always brought up a small college in a town of Connecticut. I had mixed feelings about it. 2-3 hours from home? Sounds good! Not in New York City? Ummm I don't know about that.
Skyscrapers were always my favorite thing. The sun set between two ginormous buildings. How could you not be fixated by it? The reflections of the sun I'm the windows when that yellow-orange sun goes to sleep for the night. You just can't help but look up and give your neck a little pain after 5 minutes or so.
How cars just do not stop for pedestrians crossing streets on corners regardless if the light is red or green. How certain areas smelt like literal garbage or greasy fried food but you didn't care because it would not be the same without it. The night is just as crowded, if not even more busy at night. Cities never do sleep, right? There is always something to do, somewhere to go. Whether it is 3am or 3pm.
When we got in the car to visit this small college in Connecticut, I was not all that enthusiastic about it but little did I know that as soon as we pulled into the parking lot, something about the view of the huge river would win me over immediately. The serene atmosphere, friendly and open people, all the buildings being not too close but not too far apart from each other; it is nearly impossible to get lost. Instead seeing the sunset and rise reflect off of tall buildings, you see it mirror off the water which is just nearly as beautiful. Being near the water does clear the mind, heart and soul.
It is definitely unusual not losing having to dart in front of people because you are losing sight of a friend ahead on a crowded city street but it is kind of nice for every hour not to be rush hour. But whether you're in a huge city or not for college, every hour is rush hour. In a way, you know what I mean. There is no unnecessary beeping going on everywhere you go and no one crossing the street anywhere you want which is what the norm is in the city.
Between all the body heat, machinery heat, vehicle heat, etc., the city can become very warm. When you're on the water, it gets real chilly real fast. The second week you're back at school in September, the air becomes crisper, the wind kicks up and you're wearing your sweatshirts again before the end of the month.
Moving from the hectic city to the calming waters for college is definitely a change; but it is a calm and healthy change. You really find who you are when you go spend the next 4 years of your life in a surrounding you are not all that use to. You will find your place and once you settle, it will like home and make you wonder how you every survived without where you are now.
