whims

chapter Whitman comes to a close

Back in NE after two grueling days on the road, driving back from our west coast extravaganza: Portland, Seattle, Walla Walla. The trip was pretty much fun, even though 4 of the 10 days were spent 100% in the car, speeding down the interstate.

All three parts of the trip were fabulous. The wedding, my goodness, that's what a wedding should be. Seeing Adam and Laura is always wonderful. It was very different being there with my parents to visit them. And then, Walla Walla.

As our minivan crossed the NE state line on I-80, I realized that the Whitman chapter of my life had officially come to a close. I sighed, I'm sure. Being at Whitman was a tumultous ride of emotion and life lessons that I truely appreciate having done. Even though I'm leaving, I surely do not regret 1 iota going there. Not 1. I learned so much about acceptance and arrogance. The slap in the face it served me when I got there really sobered me up. :) Honestly, I was afraid that going back to pick up my stuff would be really difficult. But it wasn't. It started with picking Karlis up from the airport again. How strange. Driving with him in the car from Seattle to Walla Walla felt like things hadn't changed, like I wasn't actually leaving. But when we got there it finally set in. We got my stuff, ate at El Sombrero, and then I spent the entire night saying goodbye to a few people. I'm so happy I got to know those fanastic humans. The next day, after coffee with my amazing core teacher, I walked around campus. The feeling was really reassuring. While strolling along, I felt happy, comfortable, and like I was in a place that had once been mine. I didn't feel like it was mine, however; and I knew I was making the right choice.

So, thank you Whitman for all you've taught me and thank you for letting me go.

posted by Marielly @ 1:08 PM