Ever since I was little, my heart was set on living in California. I didn’t know how. I didn’t know why. All I knew was it was where I wanted to be. You know, in astrology they believe when you’re born the planets are aligned in such a way causing different places to call your name. Some places may bring you wealth, happiness, or love. Others can bring you hopelessness, despair, and poverty. I think the planets aligned to make California call my name.
Last spring, I took a trip out to LA to visit some colleges and see what all the hype was about. It was the best trip of my life. Not only did I fall in love with the campus and Sound program at USC, but I fell in love with California. I felt like I belonged. My smile stuck onto my face like a tattoo. From the palm trees right outside of LAX, to the Hollywood Hills, I was amazed. I remember researching colleges with good Sound programs for film or theater and USC popped up. I looked up the university and instantly became infatuated. My goal became: get into USC. That Christmas my parents surprised me with plane tickets to go to California for the first time. I was beyond ecstatic. It would be my first time in California and I would finally get to see the school that held my heart.
When we arrived I was shaking with excitement. We landed, saw the school, and then explored LA. I was overjoyed. I had never felt so happy, confident, and filled with love. Everyone was so kind and helpful, and I felt content. That is the best feeling. Feeling at peace, calm, happy, like you’re home. I think that is why this trip meant so much to me. It was the first time I truly felt “home”.
Every ounce of that city oozes creativity, originality, and hope. Everything I aspire to emanate. Normally, I can be emotionally unstable. I think that is because of the area I am in, surrounded by negative people who do not think like me. That trip to LA opened a door for me. It showed me what it was like to be surrounded by like-minded people, making me feel a sense of belonging that I hadn’t felt in a long time.
I know everyone goes to LA. Everyone dreams of making it big or causing a difference. I know there are so many other places where that sense of belonging will occur. I am just a kid, looking for a place to call home. Looking for somewhere that I don’t have to hide or quiet my thoughts. My trip last spring proved that the hype around LA is valid. It made that explainable pull towards California make sense. On my last day there, I planned out my next few years and all the possibilities they could hold. They all ended up with me back in that beautiful city. I guess that’s what happens when you find home. You stay.
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