Tonight is the first night before school, which if you know me or have ever lived with me, is marked with a star on my calender. My backpack is ready, my outfit is picked out and my little day planner is fully penned in with everything I need to do tomorrow. One of my best friends and former roommates can tell you about the night before starting at UC Davis. I woke up every hour to check my alarm clock to see what time it was, because I was afraid of not waking up in time for class. This sounds like neurosis, it probably is some mild form, but I’ve realize there is nothing I can do about it. It’ll probably happen tonight, right on the dot. 1 AM…2 AM….

Last Friday was orientation and it took me about 15 minutes to realize that I was youngest person there. I met some incredible cohorts of mine, one who already had her degree in corporate law from Columbia, another a full fledged Dr. and on to her second M.A. degree, another who had been to war and back. I am in awe of my peers. But then I realized, at some point during our very last presentation of that day, that I belonged there. Perhaps it’s becoming more clear about what my place in the universe is. I was given this opportunity to be here for a reason and in two years I’ll find out why.

Right now, I feel so ready to embrace what’s coming my way. My heart and mind are open. I wish I could say that I was without doubts. I do have my worries, because that’s my nature, but I am hopeful, confident and excited that all is moving forward and the changes that are about to take place are positive and encourage growth of all kinds.