“Please list all states you’ve resided in over the past 5 years.” Until I had to fill out a background check for my new job, I hadn’t realized how many different states I’ve recently called “home.” I left Nebraska in March 2010 to head back to South Dakota for a few months until my new gig in Alabama began the end of July. This past August, I again packed up, left Alabama for South Dakota, and awaited the next adventure. Instead of heading west to an internship in Colorado as planned, a job presented itself in Virginia; I applied, accepted, and now I call that my home.
4 states. 2 time zones. 3600 total miles. All in an 18 month timespan.
The word “whirlwind” is truly the only word that comes to mind when I think about my post-graduation journey. When I look back over the past 18 months, it’s hard to recall all of the experiences, trials, friendships, tears, and smiles that have impacted my life. Each seems so distant, yet so relevant.
When I worked for Nebraska Volleyball, I remember seeing a plaque in Coach Stemke’s office that struck a chord with me. “Nobody said it would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.” That quote has stuck with me and has become especially applicable during this new beginning. Beginnings are scary, and anyone who tries to tell you otherwise is lying.
A new city, a new job, a new culture, a new way of life, and a new set of relationships to develop.
So here I am, starting over yet again. I remember this feeling all too well, say, like, 14 months ago when I moved to Alabama. That beginning wasn’t easy. Okay, that’s an understatement; it was straight up terrifying. I’d left my family in South Dakota, my best friends in Nebraska, and essentially every bit of familiarity I’d ever known. When I first arrived in Tuscaloosa, I felt lost amongst a sea of crimson clad Southerners, some with drawls that needed subtitles to be understood. It was a whole new culture, full of “yalls”, down home cookin, and of course, an undying devotion to the University of Alabama. After the initial shock wore off and I got settled in with my job and friends, my time in Tuscaloosa was undoubtedly some of the best and most memorable 14 months of my life. Football games, margarita nights at El Rincon, beach trips, sushi at Bento, New Orleans adventures, watching a community’s strength after a catastrophic natural disaster, and some of my strongest friendships have now replaced those initial feelings of uncertainty and loneliness that I first felt upon my arrival to T-Town.
Soon, the same will happen for me in Charlottesville. Like the quote said, it may not always be easy, but it will be worth it. I’ve already gained a lot of experience in the technical and computer aspect of scouting and stating volleyball. I’ve met a few friends. I’ve explored the city during the little bit of free time I’ve had. I’ve, again, tested my resiliency during a major change.
The word "change" used to terrify me. Well, it still makes me a little uneasy I guess. But when it's thrown in your face, you can either freak out or adapt. I've decided to choose the latter. If change never occurred, the same routine would stay in place. No new experiences or skills would be gained. No boundaries would be tested. No new relationships would be forged. So I guess change isn't so bad after all.
The other day during a discussion with a co-worker, I randomly spouted out the quote,"A rolling stone gathers no moss." Well, I guess I’m kinda like that stone. And I will continue to be for awhile, bouncing from job to job, seizing every opportunity to make my way up the ladder. While it may not be the most linear or conventional route, it’s the normal career path of anyone in college athletics. So until I get to a place to stand still for awhile, I’ll continue to gain important life experiences, relish each new beginning, and gather no moss.
