Where Happiness Abounds

My second summer in the Bay has come to an end. Tonight I will board a flight to L.A. to spend a week with one of my closest friends, Aley, as a buffer to leaving this wonderful California summer. Last night I celebrated my last evening with rooftop drinks in San Francisco and wine and laughter with the three people who have kept me dancing all summer, and lifted my spirits at this end when I needed them lifted the most. 

 

I’ve said it before but I would say it every day if I had the space to truly capture it: I have truly amazing friends. It hasn’t always been easy and continues to not be as I ping pong from state to state, country to country, and am yet off again in October for a year in England. But they put in the effort to remain integral parts of my life. They continuously make sure that my life only contains room for the good and pushes out the bad. Their gchats, emails, phone calls, whatsapps, and everything in between are the true stuff that lasting friendships are made of. And I have seen so many of my friendships fade and wither since graduation–many of which I was surprised did not stand the test of time or distance. But it has only helped me treasure the ones who have stayed even more. And I have many more I have gained this summer as well.

 

So to Ben, Rudy, Cameron, and Adha…AGAIN, thank you for two summers now of feeling welcome with huge open arms into your home and your hilarious warmth and lives. To Alex, Jeremy, David, and Aseem, (and honorarily Richard) thank you for letting me make the Mission my second home and having a generous drinks selection. To Diana for endearing herself as a close girlfriend in just a short time, and Courtney for her romantic optimism. And Jane for proving that the best of friendships get better with time,  Michael for late night chats with his mentor, and Kellee for the light of her energy and outlook. To College Track and all the students who will stay in my heart forever, and coworkers who remind me the passion it takes to make differences in education. And to Kevin for being an integral part of a stand-out summer–it certainly would not have been the same without you.

 

And MikeBriannaMarkRichardStaceyWendyLizaSamFionaVeronicaNworahTheclaFrank and everyone who loved, laughed, and visited me, here’s to becoming part of who I am. 

 

And I carry it all everywhere I go.

 

See you later. There’s no way I won’t be back.