28

Prologue: I had planned to post this the week of my birthday. At least before the end of February, but I got sick after my trip to Seattle and Aya leaving. Luckily, I tested negative for COVID and didn’t get Aya sick either. But it’s more like a UTI turned bladder infection? My physician can’t even put a diagnosis on it, which doesn’t make me feel better either. Then work itself just keeps me busy. It’s only been 5 posts since my last birthday. So much has happened and it just shows how hard it is to keep up with writing. More so publishing.

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2/22/22

I’m not sure why but this birthday feels particularly special. To many, it’s a special day. A hopeful one. A lucky one. Just based on its number.

But to me, it’s something I’ve been pondering and waiting for since I was a child. I always wondered what life would be like on this birthday. And for a while I forgot or never cared that I’d be turning 28.

But in particular. That on this day, marks 10 years of adulthood. 10 years I didn’t imagine would happen they way they did. 10 years ago, I was lost. I was doing the worst in high school. In comparison to many others, it was definitely above average. 

But it wasn’t enough for colleges. The pressures of youth have been exacerbated by 2012. And of course, they’re much worse and more competitive now. But that didn’t change the imminent pressure of the unknown. Especially when you didn’t get a single acceptance to any of the schools you applied to. 

In retrospect, I should have applied to more schools. Two universities sent me “acceptances” but I didn’t even apply to them. I wish I knew alternate options and wasn’t told I was a failure just because I didn’t get into a four year university. 

10 years ago, I didn’t know what I wanted. And I had a lot of help, but it wasn’t very helpful. I can’t say that no one asked the right questions, but I didn’t have any sort of guidance on how to answer those questions. My counselor told me I wasn’t smart enough or didn’t have the grades to get into certain schools. Or that I didn’t have the grades for certain majors/programs. A lot of the advice or wisdom I received was to do what I was told. Whether that’s from society or my family. Instead of constructive feedback or steps to help me achieve my goals and aspirations. 

At 18, my #1 choice lost my college application. And then they denied me a week later because they accepted the capacity of freshman for their welcoming class. At 19, I made the decision to transfer schools and move out. Then that November, I changed from a Biology major to English and a Teacher Ed program. At 21, I got my first [summer] teaching gig. At 22 I graduated college. I got my bachelors in English. At 24 I got my masters in teaching. And that Spring on my commencement I was offered a job. At 27 I became head of the English department. And now, I wonder where 27 went. 

It was a long journey, but a fast one. When I look back it was quick. And everyday continues to prove a new challenge. A challenge for me to grow, to become a better version of myself. 

As a kid, I always thought about this particular birthday. The day where all the 2’s line up. That on this day, marks 10 years of adulthood. 10 years I didn’t imagine would happen they way they did. 10 years ago, I was lost. And 10 years I spend comparing myself to others. 

I wondered what life would be like. Where I would be. And I’m proud & blessed to say that I’m really happy to be 28. To more birthdays. 

Epilogue:

3/17/22

Pretty sure I’m recovered. I feel it could have went faster if the water pipes didn’t burst in my parents house. Causing us to empty out the hoard house with urgency. The weekend before my return to work on 2/28 had been delayed due to me: recovering, moving items, lack of sleep due to construction, and falling behind work.

Despite all that, my Seattle trip with Aya was the best. It was a lovely first trip/vacation together—just the two of us. Though it was my ‘birthday weekend’ I’m so glad that Aya and I were able to get away from our homes and spend some time exploring the world together. 

I was able to return to work on Friday, March 4th. And it felt good to be back. Though I felt discombobulated from my time away and procrastination. I think I’ve been able to catch up and hopefully plan a little ahead for April. 

Enjoy some photos from our trip in Seattle