Texas to Tennessee to California
June 3rd, 2009 by Alexandra received 4 Comments »This is it. When August comes around, I will be making the 27-hour drive to Los Angeles, California, to make my mark in the industry and finally embrace for what I’ve been working so hard. (Is it a coincidence that Electronic Gaming Monthly is coming back in the second half of 2009? Is it a sign? An omen?) I’ve withdrawn from the University of Memphis, gotten the support of my family and friends, and I’m ready. At least, I hope.
At first, when the idea was proposed, I was apprehensive. Then a friend of mine just asked me the simplest thing anybody has ever asked me: “Why not?” I don’t know why, but that question alone made me rethink my entire life plan. The plan I had been working so hard to complete and finish — and I had just figured it all out — was shattered.
The question then became, what do I have tying me down in Memphis? Now that I was going to be paying for school, if I were to leave, now would be the perfect time. I don’t have financial obligations tying me here to Memphis.
It’s the perfect time for me to move on.
I’m not going to lie: I’m terrified. I’m scared out of my mind. I’ll be 27 hours away from my security blanket — a city whose streets I’ve memorized, but can’t go anywhere in. A day and three hours away from friends, my family, my childhood home, my hangouts — nothing to catch me if I fail. I knew California was my calling, but I wasn’t sure of when I was going. It’s calling me now.
Nothing can really prepare me for this, degree or not. They don’t have an undergraduate program for risk-taking, with a minor in leaving everything behind. At least, in any of the colleges I know of.
It’s the best planned-impulsive decision I’ve ever made.
I’ll be keeping updates on how it’s going, and I’ll be blogging on my roadtrip. (Mostly Twittering though.)
Tags: California, cross-country roadtrip, Los Angeles, Memphis, moving
Posted under: Life, journalism
I’m going to be there to support you all the way girl, you know this.
I admire that you’re able to fulfill a dream and get away from this shithole that we call Memphis.
If there’s anything that I can do to help, let me now.
Ah, this entry is so inspirational.
Nice to hear that you’re actually following your dreams, since it’s something that a lot of people are scared to go through, so they do pursue something else, something that will keep them in the safe zone. It’s such a shame.
But anyway, good luck with that. And yeah, I’d be terrified out of my wits too, but moving to a completely different area, leaving all friends and family behind, is a such ballsy thing to do. Ballsy.
I’m usually in LA a few times a month, so if you need a tour guide I’m your buddy!
dont be afraid! life is all about taking new risks and all
ahh keep keep on going! and “keep moving forward!”
Thanks you guys.
It really means a lot!