In the past few days, I've had to say so many goodbyes and as I've repeatedly said before, it is honestly one of the hardest things I've had to do. I'm starting a new adventure soon, but I wish I could take the city and the people with me! But then I guess it wouldn't be all that new haha That's the exciting part, I suppose. Things are going to be so different and a part of me can't wait for it. There's also another part that is dreading it and wanting to stay in New York with the people who I have grown to love.
Of course, I'm also bat-shit excited to go home and see my family and friends, but in the back of my mind is that New York won't be on the radar for a while and that freaks me out. It's been four awesome years and I don't think I'm ready to let it go.
But, instead of having a pity-party for myself, I am just trying to ignore the sadness, and look on the bright side of things. My friends now have a new place to visit me in, I'm starting a new exciting career soon, and am going to experience incredible new things (or at least I hope I do!).
And I have so much to be grateful for. This city and everyone here have given me the opportunity to experience so many things that I'm sure I wouldn't have gotten to back home. I got to see lots of Broadway shows, meet the stars of my favorite TV shows, revel in the balls-out music scene the city provides, push myself into internship after internship, shoot a half-hour long documentary, and just all around have a blast! There is no city like New York City, and of that, I am sure.
It's been a wild ride. There have been times when I felt like I didn't belong here. There have been times when I felt at home. But no matter the feeling, I somehow always fell deeper in love with it. New York is my second home and I'm already homesick.
Four years. Four effing years have gone by so freaking fast. There are things I would've done differently and there are things that I wanted to do, but never did. But I don't believe in regrets, and I wouldn't have gone through these four years any differently. I worked my ass off, had a butt-load of fun, and met the most diverse, extremely talented, and all around awesome people.
I am so excited for myself and all of you for what is to come. Friends, family, the world is ours to explore and conquer. I know we'll all do great. Four years together, I know you all, and I know we'll all do amazingly. This goes for those in Seattle and New York. We're the bomb.com and there is no doubt in my mind that I have met the future pioneers of great things to come in our society.
On a closing note for this last entry (I know this entry is long and ramble-y, but I'm tired and have been packing all day), I want to leave you with a text message that one of my best friends David sent me after telling him I was an emotional wreck today. I hope he doesn't mind.
"That was really thoughtful of him! (I had just sent a picture of Obama riding through the streets after seeing Sister Act on Broadway) Patrick, I am so proud of you for following your heart and venturing to New York after high school. you have had magical, meaningful experiences greater than I can imagine. I am sure you will miss it a lot, but you are on the cusp of embarking on a journey, different and probably even greater than New York. I am excited for you to implement the skills you've cultivated for the past four years and effect positive change in the world we live in.
Allah knows there's a lot to be done. It is all right to be sad, but do not be too sad. You are going to blaze a bright trail ahead.
I know that I and everyone else here are ecstatic for your return."
I've know David since elementary school and although we didn't become really good friends until middle school, David has been a source of inspiration and undying support. This text literally brought tears to my eyes. And David is right. It's all good to be sad, but don't let it ruin your exit. You never know what tomorrow holds.
So here it is. It's the end of a chapter. But I'm ready. I'm at peace. And like my dad always says "if you put your mind to it, there's nothing you can't do." So here's a promise: I'll be back, New York. You'll see me someday again.
It's been real. It's been lovely and thank you again for the best years of my life. From early morning runs, to hours of Palladium brunch, to hellish internships, to awkward encounters in bars and fairs, to random roaming of the city, and to late nights of Sequence with best friends, the memories of this city are unforgettable.
New York, New York...
Much love,
Patrick
Florence + the Machine - Strangeness & Charm
No comments:
Post a Comment