Eventually there comes a moment where you’re not afraid of the city anymore. I’m not saying this in a “let down your guard, and act like an idiot” kind of way, but in an “embrace your circumstance” way. There’s no use in being terrified every second of the day about things that COULD happen but HAVEN’T happened. The best you can do is be prepared as you can be and be smart about where you go, who you go with, and what time you go there. Even while away at college, I’ve consistently been kind of a home-body. I’d rather stay at the apartment and cook, read, or watch The Food Network than go crazy at houses where the red party cups litter their yards any day or time of the week. What I do love to do, however, is walk. There’s nothing more refreshing to me than just getting out and feeling the warm air on my skin, people-watching, and getting a bit of exercise in the process. Walking to and from class and around campus are pretty much the most threatening things that I get myself into. I’m a serious “party animal,” let me tell ya. But even in my walking, I try to be safe. Hopefully my mom will somehow read this and be comforted by the fact that I’m not prancing around Columbus in the most ghetto places that I can possibly find just to “explore”. Anyway, when I walk, I’m not afraid; just prepared. I was thinking about this today on the walk back from picking up school supplies. I feel comfortable being within the hustle, bustle of the city. I guess my point is that I never thought that I would reach that point. Especially after the series of rapes and the faculty shooting near the end of spring quarter; I was terrified after those events took place. There’s a quote by Georgia O’Keeffe that reads, “I’ve been absolutely terrified every moment of my life — and I’ve never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do,” and I’ve applied that to countless moments in my life. This quote is always in the back of my mind when it comes to anything that I do, and it’s really helped me become a more independent person.

Classes start tomorrow, and I couldn’t be more excited. I have high hopes for this school year.

This was kind of a pointless post, but it’s whatever. :]

xoxoxo
Ash