The 305
It looks as if I am going to be on the 10-year fucking graduation plan here at FIU. After this semester, I only have five classes left to take. I figured that I could knock out three, maybe even four classes in summer if I was lucky, then take things easy in the fall. Graduation would be in December, but my lease is up in September, so I was comtemplating moving home and commuting for the final three and a half months. Dealing with the parents on a daily basis after living alone for two years is not my ideal plan, but I figured I could handle the easy, rent-free life, with Mom doing my laundry and providing homecooked meals while I save at least $1,000 a month. It would be extremely temporary, just until I figured out my next big move.
When I went to sign up for classes the other day, I came to the realization that only two classes that I need are being offered this summer. Both of them are in Summer A, which means that not only am I stuck in Miami for the fall, but I am stuck in Miami for the months of June, July and most of August with no classes. There's a small part of me that's secretly excited about that, but the realistic part of me just wants to graduate already. Now I have to take three classes in the fall, which makes commuting almost impossible. I am also afraid that one of the classes for my minor will not be offered then. I swear, if this stretches out until spring, I'm going to be livid.
That probably won't happen though. Things always work out somehow, and the worst that could really happen is that I stay in Miami a little longer. I like it here (most of the time) so I should just calm down and ride it out. I guess all the changes are just a little overwhelming. It's crazy how there is starting to be a dot of light at the end of this tunnel I have been in for almost two years. I can't really believe I have lived in Miami Beach this long, but I have really grown to love it for what it is.
It's amazing how much easier the second year is from the first. I no longer feel lost all the time; I know where places are without having to Mapquest them. I have acquired an understanding of the beach and it's people; little things such as dog poop and mentally ill bums shouting obscenities at me are no longer a big stress factor. I can sleep soundly through the cries of a stray cat in heat outside my window, drunk people screaming in the streets and house music randomly blasting at any hour. I know when and where to find parking at all times, the best food at 5 a.m. and people who hook me up with everything from free drinks to free cable and gym memberships. I feel like everything is possible in this city. I have learned the hard way about travelling in rush hour, speeding on Alton Road and partying at Space til noon. I still don't scoop Coco's poop or speak fluent Spanish, but I do remember to kiss both cheeks when I greet a person here. And now I actually have friends here, which I consider the greatest thing. Almost every contact in my recent calls list is someone from Miami. Even if some of the pretentious, fake people I meet here are not true friends who will be there til the end, it sure is nice to never be lonely. Friendship seems to be more about quantity than quality here, but I feel fortunate to have met a few people that I know I will stay in touch with for a very long time. And as for the ones who may only be in my life for a short amount of time, I am still glad I knew them. WHether they taught me a valuable lesson or I just had one outrageous night out with them, I'm grateful for it. The lessons I have learned based on my experiences have certainly changed who I was and shaped me in a way that could not have been done anywhere else. Miami cannot be undone; it will always be a part of who I am. Right now I'm just wondering how longer I will physically be here.
When I went to sign up for classes the other day, I came to the realization that only two classes that I need are being offered this summer. Both of them are in Summer A, which means that not only am I stuck in Miami for the fall, but I am stuck in Miami for the months of June, July and most of August with no classes. There's a small part of me that's secretly excited about that, but the realistic part of me just wants to graduate already. Now I have to take three classes in the fall, which makes commuting almost impossible. I am also afraid that one of the classes for my minor will not be offered then. I swear, if this stretches out until spring, I'm going to be livid.
That probably won't happen though. Things always work out somehow, and the worst that could really happen is that I stay in Miami a little longer. I like it here (most of the time) so I should just calm down and ride it out. I guess all the changes are just a little overwhelming. It's crazy how there is starting to be a dot of light at the end of this tunnel I have been in for almost two years. I can't really believe I have lived in Miami Beach this long, but I have really grown to love it for what it is.
It's amazing how much easier the second year is from the first. I no longer feel lost all the time; I know where places are without having to Mapquest them. I have acquired an understanding of the beach and it's people; little things such as dog poop and mentally ill bums shouting obscenities at me are no longer a big stress factor. I can sleep soundly through the cries of a stray cat in heat outside my window, drunk people screaming in the streets and house music randomly blasting at any hour. I know when and where to find parking at all times, the best food at 5 a.m. and people who hook me up with everything from free drinks to free cable and gym memberships. I feel like everything is possible in this city. I have learned the hard way about travelling in rush hour, speeding on Alton Road and partying at Space til noon. I still don't scoop Coco's poop or speak fluent Spanish, but I do remember to kiss both cheeks when I greet a person here. And now I actually have friends here, which I consider the greatest thing. Almost every contact in my recent calls list is someone from Miami. Even if some of the pretentious, fake people I meet here are not true friends who will be there til the end, it sure is nice to never be lonely. Friendship seems to be more about quantity than quality here, but I feel fortunate to have met a few people that I know I will stay in touch with for a very long time. And as for the ones who may only be in my life for a short amount of time, I am still glad I knew them. WHether they taught me a valuable lesson or I just had one outrageous night out with them, I'm grateful for it. The lessons I have learned based on my experiences have certainly changed who I was and shaped me in a way that could not have been done anywhere else. Miami cannot be undone; it will always be a part of who I am. Right now I'm just wondering how longer I will physically be here.