When you take that leap of faith, you can surprise yourself with how quickly your feet settle down into ground underneath your soles.
It's been exactly two weeks since I've begun my path for a new life on my own. Two weeks ago, I remember being fairly uncertain of what lies ahead of me, holding deep sentiments to the people, places, and things that made up my Home back in the lovely Northern California. I performed my last string of summer performances with Kariktan--a close-knit group of family and friends of 6 years--with a dedicated performance to me (which seriously made my heart melt), I hung out, kicked back, and talked deep topics like old times with my best friend as she finished her first quarter of college as I was about to begin mine, and I cherished the last few moments I had with family and familiar faces through concert-hopping, vegging out, and being the best customers at the local restaurants and movie theaters.
Summer 2011 was one summer to remember forever, as I've said millions of times. 4 months is just enough time to allow me to enjoy what really matters to me in my life, living each and every moment to its fullest with the people I love (I guess my summer just went along with the momentum of my senior year--a time in which I ended with a "high-off-of-life" feeling and full of love).
Many of you may have known how bitter I was about leaving Home and going down south to UCI. First off, I've never seen myself as a SoCal type of person--the sun, the beaches, the overall "superficiality" and vibe just didn't appeal to me. I've grown such a long and devoted attachment to my small town suburban predominantly white-based community--I owe everything I've been and everything I've grown into to the people, places, and things that have made up that town. But, sometimes, you need to share a little piece of yourself and your love and share it with others--others who aren't exactly living along the same terms as you, and others who aren't so familiar with your whereabouts and living standards.
Rest assured, my past two weeks here in Irvine have been absolutely wonderful. I can say with confidence that as each day passes, the more and more glad I am to be here. I couldn't think of a more appropriate college for me. UCI is one heck of an under-appreciated and often under-looked UC, but the statistics of this college rank so highly in terms of academics, and being one of the safest and "happiest" campuses in the nation just makes it more enjoyable. I've always been one to get along well with others, with my "politeness" and "compassionate heart" (thank you 8th grade award) making it easier for me to, in a way, "fit myself into the mold". Of course, I have always been my own person and "followed my own drum", but my goofiness and "adorableness" can be reflected into the people I meet everyday. It's comforting to have that link.
I think what I enjoy most about being here is the social aspect of dorming but having such great flexibility in retaining my own morals, values, and beliefs. With over thousands of campus-wide clubs and organizations, there is room for anyone to "find their fit". My classes haven't exactly picked up in workload yet, which makes me feel extra lazy, but my Humanities Core Course is supposedly rigorous (but at least learning about Philosophy is interesting!) and my Beatles & the 60s class is a life-saver (I've never known how much I could enjoy listening to oldies, picking out structures, learning about history and influences that make up any great band). It's great to open up to the two subject areas I love the most (writing and music), and have the comfort of being able to socialize with people similar to my own accord, and participate in clubs that bring back a piece of home for me (Kababayan--Filipino organization, and hopefully Open Jam--musician's club).
I guess, to cut this from getting too lengthy, UCI proved to be that one push I needed to leave a place I love so much and to integrate what I've known, loved, and been, into a somewhat foreign area. I must thank Patricia, who is a 3rd year here at UCI and went to high school with me, for bringing Home to me here and making me feel as comfortable and secure I need to be down here. It's refreshing to have a little piece of Home down here and have someone that not only makes you laugh like crazy, but knows you and your own background.
Don't be afraid to take the path a little more "extreme" and "off" from your natural habits--you can surprise yourself with how wonderful the new environment fits you. and so, I will leave with this note: "Hello, my name is Rachel Cauilan (not Dia Frampton). I write, I dance, and I play music. I only hope to make a testament of my life growing up, from all the people, places, things, and feelings I've known, and to give a little piece of myself, and my love, to you. I hope you enjoy."
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