My Space and Where I'll Be

Rings of color fill the floor. Scuffs from character shoes and set pieces mar the vibrantly painted stage. This is the place upon which I laid for a brief yet perfect five minutes with my best friend during the intermission of my senior musical's closing night. This setting was not only unique to me because of the atmosphere and vibe that accompanies one's last production ever on a stage, it was also special because the stage is always black, never multi-colored. However, it was painted for our production of Seussical, and this is where I chose to remember the good times and the bad. 

As I lay with my best friend absorbing the setting of so many fond memories, I was able to finally grasp the true enormity of the space where I spent so much of my time and energy. The ceiling stretched before me to a distant point that was practically indiscernible because it was so high in the air. The almost deadly grid could be seen so easily from my vantage point, and I knew that somewhere up there were my classmates and friends waiting to literally shine the spotlight on me. The air was practically damp from all the sweat and love that we poured into that closing night, and I understood why so many people yearn to be upon that stage to showcase their talents: the energy. The floor practically rumbled from the base of the band playing their inerlude, and the air held the memory of triumphs and failures past. The greats had given their talents to this stage. Andrew Lockhart and Nick Males poured their souls into The Secret Garden here, and Meg Duell gave her unforgettable performance as Belle on this very ground. I was privileged enough to add my own quirky talents to the mix, and I knew in that moment that this stage would always hold a place in my heart as home.

I'll be out of college in five years, and I can hardly fathom the idea of no longer having to worry about school and how to handle my classes. However, I know I'll have newer worries to occupy my mind, so at least I know I won't be bored. I wish I could describe the work setting to which I'll be adding my skills in five years, but unfortunately I have no inkling of what I will actually be doing. So instead I'll focus on the vacation I'll be enjoying. 

I'm in France or some other European country, I have a worn-down backpack on my shoulders, I'm dirty, I have little money left, and I am utterly and completely happy. I've just spent the summer backpacking through Europe, and I'm reveling in my successful trip. The landscape around me is sunny, but not too overwhelmingly hot, and it's almost time for my last dinner. I'm splurging on a nice meal to celebrate my success, and I'll be meeting up with friends I've made along the way. The atmosphere at dinner will be perfect, and I'll be sad to leave but ready to go home and jump into the next phase of my life. This vacation has been a welcome reprieve, but it's time to move on.