Taking a Powder
April 25, 2016
I made a vow to myself when I was very young that I would not remain complacent and docile. I would not stay in the same place my whole life like previous generations of my family had. I did not want to work the same job forever and just be dormant. I did not want status quo. Out of any vow I could ever make during my time, this was the only one that I'd do anything and everything to accomplish.
And I have.
It is with great excitement and enthusiasm that I announce a new chapter in my life, starting very soon. I gave myself until 25 to leave my previous job, leave Northeast Pennsylvania, and create a new life for myself. Through hard work, patience, networking, and luck, I can finally say that I've achieved these goals. After countless applications and leads into endeavors that were just that, I have found a company that is willing to invest in me and in return, I will put everything into this opportunity. Better yet is that it is located in a much more incredible area than good ol' NEPA. Location: Florida.
While the move and new adventure is thrilling and daunting all at the same time, there are a few thoughts I have in regard to Pennsylvania and the past:
I made a vow to myself when I was very young that I would not remain complacent and docile. I would not stay in the same place my whole life like previous generations of my family had. I did not want to work the same job forever and just be dormant. I did not want status quo. Out of any vow I could ever make during my time, this was the only one that I'd do anything and everything to accomplish.
And I have.
It is with great excitement and enthusiasm that I announce a new chapter in my life, starting very soon. I gave myself until 25 to leave my previous job, leave Northeast Pennsylvania, and create a new life for myself. Through hard work, patience, networking, and luck, I can finally say that I've achieved these goals. After countless applications and leads into endeavors that were just that, I have found a company that is willing to invest in me and in return, I will put everything into this opportunity. Better yet is that it is located in a much more incredible area than good ol' NEPA. Location: Florida.
While the move and new adventure is thrilling and daunting all at the same time, there are a few thoughts I have in regard to Pennsylvania and the past:
- Adventure Center: There is no denying that this place had a huge impact on me and developing me for this point. As the first employee in the new venture, it was something that I wore with pride and tried my best to live up to my own billing as "The Best in the World". I'd like to think that I did. To everyone who worked there for my several seasons--and I can name you all, except I'm trying to keep this short--I had some of the best times of my life there with you guys and enjoyed almost every second. Except Robbie. Sorry.
- NEPA: As a child, I believe that everyone takes this area for granted. We all want to get out and get to bigger and better things. But when I think about to where I'll be going, I am going to miss the land and the scenery. We moan and groan about the snow, but I'll be begging for it in the winter months down south. While I never wanted to be here forever, I do have some great memories of the area that I will cherish.
- Lock Haven: This one gets me choked up. The greatest fact of living where I currently do is that at any time I could get in my car and drive out to my alma mater and relive my "glory days". There are so many, so many, good memories on campus, along with some bad that I hold onto deeply, that knowing I won't be able to just go out and watch some field hockey or lacrosse games or walk along the Susquehanna River or explore downtown at my own free will anymore is upsetting. It truly brings some tears to my eyes. That's how much "The Haven" means to me and will always mean to me. To everyone from classes, HavenCast, The Eagle Eye, and anyone else that I encountered over those years; those memories and relationships mean the absolute most to me. Truly.
Conclusion
It's not like I'm never coming back to Pennsylvania again, but I don't plan on visiting often if I'm being honest. But when I think on the place that I've been so desperate to leave for so long, there are some heartstrings being pulled. I won't deny that. It's the first time a significant moment is occurring in my life and it so happens to be 1,200 miles away.
With that said, this opportunity is one that had I not taken the chance and flown down for the interview or even sent my resume in the first place, I would have regretted. I've seen so many around me pass up opportunities and just settle for the normal everyday flow. I'm not saying I'm a trailblazer by any means, but I've always known that I was meant for more than NEPA.
It's exciting. It's nerve-wracking. It's intimidating. It's enthralling. There are a lot of emotions swirling around right now and on May 16, the new life officially begins. For those who were around for the first quarter century, chances are you've made an impact on me and helped shape me in some form or fashion to prepare for this journey. I thank each and every one of you.
To those down South, I'm looking forward to learning and embracing your culture. The music, art, and entertainment scenes are going to be vast upgrades. The lifestyle will be more suited for me. Plus, it'll be nice to get a tan...finally.
In closing--finally--thanks for everything, Pennsylvania.
Cheers.
-Adam Williams
With that said, this opportunity is one that had I not taken the chance and flown down for the interview or even sent my resume in the first place, I would have regretted. I've seen so many around me pass up opportunities and just settle for the normal everyday flow. I'm not saying I'm a trailblazer by any means, but I've always known that I was meant for more than NEPA.
It's exciting. It's nerve-wracking. It's intimidating. It's enthralling. There are a lot of emotions swirling around right now and on May 16, the new life officially begins. For those who were around for the first quarter century, chances are you've made an impact on me and helped shape me in some form or fashion to prepare for this journey. I thank each and every one of you.
To those down South, I'm looking forward to learning and embracing your culture. The music, art, and entertainment scenes are going to be vast upgrades. The lifestyle will be more suited for me. Plus, it'll be nice to get a tan...finally.
In closing--finally--thanks for everything, Pennsylvania.
Cheers.
-Adam Williams