Thank Y'all

Well, I’ve made it. It’s May and I am taking a break from my very lame attempt to pack up and go home for the summer.

Back in the fall when I was teaching I was desperate for this day. I would be sitting (sometimes crying) in my classroom during planning period scrolling through old pictures, looking back on times when my biggest concern was finding a summer job that would both boost my resume and give me the weekends off to go out with friends.

When I left teaching, I felt that this day would come and I’d feel like I didn’t quite "earn" a summer home. I thought I’d feel like a failure. I can’t completely say that I am absolutely satisfied leaving without finishing what brought me here. Quitting doesn’t always give you a full feeling of satisfaction in that way. I’ve always been one to want to finish what I started, so how can I wholly feel like I completed what I set out for if I didn’t actually do that?

But what I can say is that I am going home more full in a way. I’ve realized a lot about myself; I feel more independent, I have met many extraordinary people who have humbled me in so many ways, and I am a couple steps closer to doing something I will enjoy.

Florida has been the perfect place for me to embrace the unknown, push myself outside my comfort zone, and give in to the whole “what is meant to be will be” philosophy. I have never been a planner in my opinion, so it is no surprise that when I tried to plan these first two years after graduation God laughed, and here I am. Although I am not at all looking forward to explaining that I quit and still have no clue where my path is taking me (but yes I am staying in Florida despite this lack of a plan), I do look forward to exploring a whole new unplanned chapter in the coming year.

So for those of you just graduating college, or who have graduated and still feel a little restless (whether you have a job or not), know that there are tons of us with you in that feeling. Count your blessings and have faith.

Thank you to my family for being supportive and excited about my minor victories and discoveries this year.

Thank you to my friends from home who make me feel loved each and every day.

Thank you to my roommates for being incredibly humbling and inspiring women.

Thank you to my beach crew for creating a family.

And thank you to Jacksonville for being a place I have truly enjoyed calling home.

There are great things to come, that I can be sure about.