First Journal Entry

Despite ‘the breakup,’ I have truly enjoyed life the past few months. This summer has been filled with unexpected miracles. I connected with old faces, made new friends, and went out every weekend. I chose not to sit on the couch after work everyday, watch TV and slowly rot my brain. My proudest moment was when I made a decision that normally would have scared the shizit out of me. I quit my job, moved out of my apartment, and decided to study abroad without knowing where I would go or how I would pay for it. In that moment, that leap of faith, everything was taken care of without me even knowing it. I needed a place to stay and I was given a home, I needed money and it came from people I didn’t know were paying attention, and I needed support and I was given my own cheerleading team (metaphorically speaking ofcoarse). Yeah, some may think it was easy because I have no kids or a mortgage…there is some truth to that. But those who know me know what it meant to do this and how I have changed over the years.
I’ve also learned a lot this summer. The more I am myself the more people are drawn to me, I don’t need to pretend. I’ve learned that you usually don’t receive from the same places you give. So give without expecting something in return. Although my mother was not able to take care of me or be the woman I’ve always wanted, I have acquired several ‘moms’ along the way. “It takes a village to raise a child.” And just when I thought there are more ignorant, assholes in this world than good people, I witness a simple act of brilliance that makes me believe again that people really are good at heart.
Thanks to all my peoples for your support: Family in Waterbury & Rocky Hill, RC folks, The WPI admissions office, and the crew holding it down in Worcester (aka Woosta) Hadley, Bonnie, Caroline, Joi, Dalya, and The DeCaro’s. Shout outs to my favorite going away gifts: the mosquito repellent key chain and my office card listing “The 10 Lessons I’ve learned from Tiana.” Special thanks to the psychic that told me I wasn’t living up to my potential, because that gave me a kick in the butt to do something. Although I highly doubt her other predictions will come true. I wonder if I could get my money back if they don’t? Hasta Luego for now. I’ll be thinking of you in Guatemala! Con Amor, Tiana