The farthest I’ve been

I am a college student who went to school in the same town that they were born and raised in. At times, this has made me feel like a goldfish stuck in a tiny fishbowl. I could swim to the edge but there was always something in my way. Money, time, resources… everything is shaped into a convenient glass that would allow me to admire these infinite possibilities but keep me trapped in the safe finite possibilities in our town.

Don’t get me wrong, I love this state. I will always be thankful for this town for shaping me into who I am today. No matter where I go, the rare Oregon sun reflects in the freckles sprawled across my face, the sound of rain forever stuck in my eardrums, and the pine trees that keep me rooted.

No matter how much I love my safe town, this fishbowl is becoming too small for me. In less than a week, I will be just a tiny goldfish in the grand ocean of New York City. For once, I will be swimming in unventured water.

I am ready to be scared. Inspired. Invigorated.

Let’s go.

Amelia Inouye
04. 30. 2017