Finding Home

           It has been one week since I returned from Oregon. Seven years had passed since my family moved away, and I was afraid, excited, but afraid. I wanted my childhood (well, one of many, but a very important) home to be exactly as I remembered it. We arrived in Portland, which was weird and wonderful as always despite the massive influx of Californians, but heading down to Corvallis was infinitely weirder. Aside from some small changes, the town was exactly the same. However, it was still different. There was a sense of nostalgia but it was underwhelming in a way. Perhaps it was because I felt nothing had changed. I was too familiar with the town. Even connecting with my childhood friends was strange, for even though we had grown up and are forging our own paths, there was a space between us. 
           Given that the trip was a mere four days long it makes sense that there was not enough time to truly explore and reconnect. However, those four days helped me find a peace within myself. That is the magic of the west coast. The air itself is cleansing, compared to the quick pace and stress of the east. As someone who has moved around constantly I have always been used to making home wherever I am, but lately I am unsure of my abilities. I am halfway through college and need to start thinking about my life outside of academia. Where will I go? What will I do? People always say that I have time, and I know I do, but I want to at least have a general inkling of what my future will be. To quote one of my favorite musicals Pippin by Stephen Schwartz "Gotta find my corner of the sky." However, the sky is open, endless, and ever changing. For now the winds will take me out west, but after then I cannot say. All will reveal itself in time, and you possess the ability to find home wherever you go. Have faith in yourself, and find peace in uncertainty. 

Open your mind, be brave, and be kind. 
- Noah