Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

“You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You’re on your own.  And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.”
– Dr. Seuss, Oh, the places you’ll go!

Just as the good doctor says, only you can tell the places you’ll go.  This fall brings for me that event that almost every high school (the musical?) graduate loves or loathes: the 10 year high school reunion. Plans have been made, R’s have been SVP’d, and I’m not part of them.  But the thought of where we’ve all gone in the last 10 years got me thinking.

Part of this introspection began a few months ago over dinner with someone about 7 years my senior. As she listed her accomplishments between the ages of (cough) and (cough+7) I started to think of the span between 17 and today; my initial list was pretty short in comparison to hers, but its bigger than I expected:

  • Graduated from HS
  • Lived through a debilitating religion
  • Traveled to four foreign countries; lived in one for over 3 months
  • Graduated from college
  • Earned my masters; publishing a few papers along the way
  • Completed successfully as an amateur power lifter
  • Had a few amazing relationships, each of taught me more than any of my professional education
  • Made some of the best friends a person could ask for
  • Almost got a PhD… so close it hurts to think about.
  • Landed a great job that I really enjoy (on most days)

It’s not quite as interesting as some of the people I graduated with, though, but I have to say that I’m pretty happy with where I’ve been and what I’ve done since HS.  Hopefully the next ten will be even better. 

“Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!”

2 thoughts on “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!”

  1. *cough*
    i’ve always thought you were exceptionally accomplished, and i am not being facetious in any way, shape, or form.

    :)

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