I've come along way since July 13th 2009 (my first day of college), I was nervous as all could be. The best way to describe it would to put it like this: I was a turtle stuck in his shell and had no way to crack it open and be free. As I progressed through the ranks of the school, I evolved into the person I am today. No longer am I that turtle that walked in on the first day.
I've been through a lot in these 1,250 days (7/13/09 - 12/13/12), I've had my ups and I've had my downs. I've walked and I've rode. (*Side Note* I would honestly like to look back and find out the distance I've walked all over the Pittsburgh area. It has to be a long distance.) I've been to a rave, I've been to the casino. I was an extra in The Dark Knight Rises, I walked through the streets of the city during 'Snowpocalypse'. I've walked to the Strip, to North Side, to South Side, to Oakland and to the Point. I've moved twice between dorms (lived in my one dorm for 2 1/2 years). Outside of the dorm, my family and I have moved three times. I went to the hospital about 6 times. I've been to plenty of baseball games at PNC Park. I was at the Inaugural hockey game for the Consol Energy Center (was number 199 out 200 to get a ticket- waited in line for 6 hours and made it to my class with 5 minutes to spare). I went to a convention (yugioh) with my roommates, I've been to all so many different restaurants. I've been in South Side during Friday and Saturday nights, just to walk around and watch the drunk people. I have countless memories with my roommates, some of which have been the best times of my life. I have made tons of friends and a few enemies and some people I've just lost contact with. I've laughed, I've cried (maybe just once...I think), told jokes, watch countless movies and videos. Made some of the most outrageous food combos, done some stupid dares or just idiotic things. I've been to many places over town like the from the card shop to the corner store at 2 am. I've played tons of games and stayed up late too many times. I've done work that I enjoy and hope to continue doing and other things where I was just glad to have the experience.
The time I spent in college will truly be the single most influential time in my entire life. Sure I will have other moments in the future, but the moments that I created and was a part of with some of the greatest people I know, will always be with me. I've got one more big moment to add to that list come next Thursday, when I present my final portfolio and work at Heinz Field at the Fall 2012 portfolio show. After the show is over, it may very well be that the curtains will close on the best chapter of my life so far. Next Up: Career!
~A.G. The true work of art is but a shadow of the divine perfection. ~ Michelangelo
