2014 Summer Transitions

 

As I was cleaning and going through prayer cards and other miscellaneous, I came across this magazine sheet. This now ripped, and worn paper that for some reason, years later I have kept. I don't know why, maybe its because I wanted to look back on it like I did yesterday. It was that time when I would write lists like this on a magazine page for a creative and fun effect. That was so 2014, using J Crew magazines for my own ideas and list writing.

But upon looking at this list, so many memories came back to me from that summer of 2014. It was a transition summer for me, graduating and saying goodbye to my junior college and heading to University. My place of living would be the same to save money, but the world of academics, friendships, contacts, and faith would be largely different. It was this summer and year where my faith was growing more and more, as I went to daily Mass, starting praying more regularly and receiving the sacrament of confession via the Opus Dei recollections once held at St. Isidore's. 

My dear sister Elisabeth and I would often to go to Mass together in the morning and then make plans and head off to the library or our favorite café spot to study language, read and talk. She was immersed in her Spanish studies and quickly developing them, and I was freshening up again on my Chinese (notice on the sheet, I crossed out German and wrote Chinese in red). I remember practicing writing the Chinese characters on a little whiteboard to practice and trying to memorize a certain number each day. I would be taking my first Chinese class that Fall and felt inspired to minor in the language. I wanted to learn as much as I could on my own before classes started. 

When I look back at that summer I see the transition, and the growth. Different worlds were colliding together, and I was slowly realizing and feeling it. My friendships and ties to my former campus were weakening and I felt called to continue to learn and pursue my faith which over time was helping me let go of some contacts and embrace what was before me- a whole new school and experience that was daunting, exciting, a whole new learning curve. And it wasn't what I expected or really wanted it to be. Those three years at University were soul crushing at times, incredibly isolating and lonely most times, but incredible growth and perspective in my faith, hobbies, interests, creativity, innovation and independence played out over it all. 

I couldn't help but notice writing on my summer list of researching more about a Masters in Library Science. I remember this was something that I was thinking about and considering. I was a declared English major and people could see me pursuing it. I don't recall how or when I let go of that idea, but throughout college it didn't come back, until a few years after post grad (it was actually brought upon by some family members). 

That time is pivotal and very distinctive in my mind. My sisters and I had a lot of fun times together, day trips to Santa Cruz, SF, bonfire with other young adult Catholics in our backyard, shopping, TOT events. Susie and I held the same job at Kumon, we would commute the short distance together and easily talk about our workday, duties and coworkers. I remember working a good portion of that summer, even when our nieces were visiting for 2 weeks and babysitting them, it was a busy time. Us sisters did a shopping haul and then did a fun photo shoot with what we bought. And my sister's nice, fancy camera captured our visits and sights to the vibrant and bustling city of SF. 

That summer, many summers ago now has been a focal point to the start of a new journey with language, more fun memories and laughs with my sisters, increasing my love for my faith and eventually figuring out my path in college and switching my interests and studies from English literature to International Studies. I know my two older sisters were going through their own times of trust, transition, faith and discernment as your 20's is very much notorious for!

Still relishing this summer, and all that's left and taking advantage of slower days and time to organize! Organizing makes other memories and past days come about, and easily makes my mind wander. Here's to the precious days of summer, and my parent's anniversary tomorrow!:)