Talk of the future!

Ah, thanksgiving. In some ways, going home is relaxing: it’s nice to sleep in a big comfy bed and shower barefoot, bake unnecessary confections in a well-stocked kitchen, catch up with friends and family, not have to worry about school work. In other ways, it’s the opposite: it gives me too much time to think about the future, especially since it’s all mom and dad talk about. I honestly am not worried about my future. I think I’ll always fall on my feet–I’m smart, creative, personable, have useful skills, and know what I’m good at and what I want in life. But, my parents’ worry makes me worry. They shoot down most of my ideas, and, I don’t know, I guess they’re right about some things, like culinary school isn’t a good idea right after college, but I do feel very boxed in at home. I miss being at school and being free to make decisions without the doubting voices in the background. I’ve never once regretted a decision I’ve made, and I don’t think I will!

I feel that it’s not a huge deal that my entire life isn’t planned out, and I wish that adults (well people my parents’ age) would stop acting like it is. Weren’t they in my position once? Do they remember what it was like? I really really feel good about where I am now, and it just frustrates me that my parents don’t think so. I mean, I have my life planned out until a little after I graduate, and that’s all I need for now. This winter, I’ll get a job, maybe try to shadow a nutritionist, work on my summer documentary, study for GREs, read, learn to run and go to the gym a lot, write, practice piano, guitar, ukulele, try to pick up violin again, write some songs. Next spring, I’ll be in adelaide australia, where I’ve got my courses all picked out, and I’ll have an internship in the nutrition industry hopefully. During the summer, I’m filming a documentary on food in american society. Then, fall of 2011 is my last semester, and I’ve got all my classes worked out already, a few independent studies, a few classes, Kambis’ research lab, which I’m excited for! Since I’m graduating a semester early, I’ll find a job, apply for grants, grad school. I don’t know, I guess I just don’t see the benefit in thinking further ahead than a couple of years. I’ve got aspirations, sure, but who knows what sorts of opportunities will arise! I’ll take what I can get.

I’ve been evaluating my years at college and thinking about what I’ve learned. They say that a liberal arts degree teaches you how to think critically. Really? I feel like I learned how to think critically in high school. But, college has definitely reshaped my thinking and understanding of the world. One of the most important things I’ve learned is the importance of service. Yeah we had to do community service in middle school and high school, but I’m sure I only did it because it was required. I didn’t think about it. College, especially Branch Out service trips, has taught me to think about what the real issues are, how social problems are caused and what larger implications they may have, and I realize how responsible each person is to society.

I’ve also learned in college what sort of person I want to be. In Professor Deschenes’ words (yes, I was paying attention in class 🙂 ), “My newest pseudo-father advice to you is, don’t live life and then on your dying bed say, what kind of person was I? Have a destination! Assemble in your mind what kind of person you want to be. Learn from those around you. I’ve seen lots and lots of bright people make dumb decisions.”

For sure, I don’t want to work at a computer all day long. I want to interact with people. And, I want to make a positive impact on the people around me, however small. Never a negative impact if I can help it! Never a career that’s against my values. Never be frightened by not knowing things. Always be patient and kind. Never be trapped in habits. Regret nothing, and be grateful for everything. Never be afraid of failure. Do everything! Love your neighbor! Yahooo goodnight!