In one form or another, I have been asked this question by so many people over the past few days. In discussions of post-graduation life, potential graduate school programs, and career choices, my friends and I keep coming back to this one question.
I think today I finally realized where this place is for me.
I used to think that it was Florida, specifically Ft. Lauderdale where I grew up. Sure, I have so many memories there and it will always be considered my home but I have nothing really keeping me in Florida. My parents, who still live there, are planning on moving onto their sailboat within the next few years and do a lot of traveling, and my younger sister who goes to school in Tampa is probably planning on moving as well once she graduates. The rest of my family is all in the northeast.
I also used to think that Philadelphia was the place for me. I am a diehard Phillies and Eagles fan because I grew up watching them with my grandfather. All of my mom’s side of the family lives there. When I was applying to college for my undergrad the only two out-of-state schools I applied (and got accepted) to were in Philly – and I was broken hearted when I found out I couldn’t go. I love to visit my family there and miss them when I leave, but I rarely miss the actual place, the city, or anything really around it.
I have a million and one memories from Massachusetts (specifically eastern Mass. but who’s keeping track). I love it. Weird, I know. I have so many memories. I don’t think I could ever in good conscience root for any athletic teams from there (unless they are playing against NY… I still hold my grudge against all things NY from when the Yankees beat the Phillies in the World Series a few years back). But I love thinking about all of the times that I have spent there…
… Spending summers at my grandfather’s house in Chatham,
… Harwich Junior Theater (don't judge, I was totally a theater geek back in the day).
… Riding bike through the sand dunes to get to P-Town
… My first trip to Boston (including all things touristy – duck boats, swan boats, taking a picture outside Cheers, etc.)
… The countless cruise summers I spent in Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and New Bedford (yes, New Bedford…if you've ver been there, you know what I mean).
This doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of all of my great memories (some just aren't appropriate to blog about), but every time I leave I feel like I'm leaving a piece of me behind.
Heck I am even a sucker for a good accent and I love Massachusetts/Boston accents.
xoxo,
Mariah
