Being from California, it wasn’t very hard to love where I lived. Growing up in the beautiful Bay Area where I was less than an hour away from a popular city, the beach, and some amazing nature was perfect. I have treasured every year I have been able to call that place my home. Over the last two years of living in Washington, I have fallen in love with this new place. Upon my move for school, I was sad to leave my favorite place and truly left my heart there; but as I kept making the trip back and forth I kept taking a piece with me and leaving it in Kirkland.

Through this age of transition, I have found one of the biggest impacts on my attitude, was learning about where I was living and truly loving different aspects of it. Of course, I was resistant to love a place which rained all the time and forced me to stay in my dorm room but, as the days passed, I learned I could not just allow myself to steep in my sadness. As each day came around I found myself finding new things in the Seattle Area which allowed me to realize that I did not just have to sit around.

I ran around the beautiful city including Pike’s Place, I climbed mountains and walked up to the edge of cliffs, and even found myself in small shops where passions were cultivated. My time in college and in Washington brought dreams and goals to my sight faster than what I thought I had desired in my entire life. I changed my major, found a new calling, and found someone I want to spend the rest of my life with. I can confidently say Washington has given me more than I have ever received from a State. Although, while living here I was not expectant of gifts but more so I was expectant of something different.

One of the best things that has happened to me was learning to love where I live. It took time, but now I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. While being at this peak age range of 18-24, we find ourselves looking for a secure place to land which sometimes doesn’t happen due to the fact we are at school or recently graduated. I am not saying it is easy to learn to love where you live or that it happens to everyone right away, but I do know it is possible. It is possible to find things you love in a place which seems dreary or even mundane. It is possible to find people you love in a place that is just alright. It is possible to seek out secret spots for rejuvenation. When trying to find a place to land, it can truly be all about you. Take the time to find whatever will make the place where you newly live progress from bearable to being your new home.