These past 4 years….

These past four years I spent at The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH, USA. Yesterday I graduated, and like many that filled the Ohio Stadium with me to collect our diplomas (or other college graduates across the country), I am reflecting.

My last semester was rough. I came back from India with a parasite and for three weeks couldn’t keep any food down. As a result, I also got severely dehydrated. I thought I had formed an allergy to eggs, dairy or gluten. After those three weeks of misery and many classes missed I went to the doctor who gave me an antibiotic for bacteria as they waited for the tests to come back. My body has never done well with antibiotics and I would get crazy high then sleep. The antibiotic/sickness made me exhausted and also left my immune system shot. I had to ease into eating food again, but am better now. I had really wanted to get a 4.0 this semester, but playing catch up in classes made that near impossible.

Other than being sick, this semester I tried to focus on friends I’ve made these past four years. I got to reconnect with friends I hadn’t talked to in a while and was able to strengthen relationships. I was also able to cultivate new friendships and am excited to see these friendships continue to blossom.

Were these the best four years of my life? No. These years showed me how I can be anything, do anything, and be friends with anyone. (Literally, I have an obsession with Columbus dumpster divers and have talked to at least 10.) I have always been independent and maybe that’s why I really like this “adult thing.”

Did I get to do everything I wanted? Yes. The fun won’t stop now that I have graduated. I am still young, fearless, and have my whole life ahead of me. India was amazing to travel around, but there are more adventures I am on the brink of. Stay tuned 😉

Did I work hard enough? Maybe. There were some weekends I went crazy and filled my days with activities, others I stayed in and slept from pure exhaustion. There were some times I skipped classes to study for other classes, and all nighters not because I procrastinated, but because I had too much work and couldn’t fit it in the day. I learned which is supposed to be the point, right? I realized classes where the teachers put too much effort on drilling knowledge into their students heads I shied away from, but teachers that opened up the world for me were more effective.

Did I explore enough? Of Columbus, Yes! I used my camera and love for taking pictures/video as a way to find cool opportunities to capture scenes of brunch, run down buildings and friends. I also went to NYC twice, Chicago, India, California, Massachusetts, Arizona, Nevada, Washington State, Canada (Niagara Falls), Pennsylvania, Ohio places I hadn’t been too, etc.

Did I find myself? Freshman year I began meditating. I also began practicing yoga. I will continue to learn, continue to grow, continue to find myself; that is my promise to myself.

I tried to write a list of highlights, but I just deleted it because there are too many great memories I’m taking away from this.

xoxo with shanti,

Mel