2007 vs 2012

Apparently I've been in quite the nostalgic mood lately. I'm stealing this idea from Allie since she did it in her blog. The whole "then and now" thing never used to appeal to me...but that was back when I used to do them in my first year of undergrad and realized that I hadn't changed since high school.

Well my 5 year reunion is this summer. So maybe I've changed enough for this to make sense.

2007 vs. 2012


Round 1: Where do you live?

2007: At home with Dad and Karl...in the same bedroom I've lived in for years, complete with nerdy posters on the wall and the rainbow border from when I was 3.

2012: Several places at the moment. I have an apartment at Kent State that has become "home" for me this year. However, I am currently beginning work with Kent State's Upward Bound program which means I am living in a room in a different hall...and by room...this is essentially an apartment too, just minus a kitchen. I'm getting ready to move to a new apartment across campus for next year...and I still kinda live at home with Dad and Karl on occasion. I have a lot of things still there.

Winner: 2012. I love Dad and Karl more than anything, but being independent rocks.

Round 2: What do you drive?

2007: 2001 Mercury Sable. A fairly nice car, if I do say so myself...even if it's gigantic. But it works.

2012: 2008 Hyundai Accent. A very small car, but the gas mileage is AWESOME. And it zips around town very nicely. And it's tiny. I LOVE IT.

Winner: 2012. By a long shot. But I still don't actually OWN my own car sooooo...maybe neither of them wins?

Round 3: Where do you work?

2007: I had just started at Panera Bread, not realizing that it was going to be the place that kept me sane for the next 5 years.

2012: During the school year I am an Assistant Residence Hall Director at Kent State University. Currently for my summer job I am a Residential Leader for Kent State's Upward Bound program. Both of these jobs will help me gain more experience for my degree.

Winner: 2012. I loved Panera...but I've finally found my passion and my calling in higher education.

Round 4: How do you survive?

2007: Living at home. Meals are provided when I'm home and I make money so if I go out with my friends, I can buy food/coffee/whatever. Dad's cooking rocks.

2012: Dining hall food and LOTS OF PASTA. I really need to learn how to cook.

Winner: 2007. Nothing will EVER beat my Dad's cooking. NOTHING.

Round 5: What is your plan for life?

2007: Going to Ashland University to major in Political Science...hoping to work behind the scenes in Congress or at The White House. I wanted so badly to be involved in a campaign.

2012: Working towards a Master's degree in higher education...and I want to work in college housing.

Winner: 2012. I wasn't happy as a political science major. I loved my classes...but I realized very VERY quickly that it wasn't what I wanted to do with my life at ALL. When I discovered higher education it was like a light bulb had been turned on and I realized exactly what I wanted in my life. I love where my life is going and I love the work that I do.


Clearly the overall winner is 2012. I thought I knew what I wanted to do in 2007. I thought I had a solid plan. That all got thrown out the window in favor of what I'm doing now. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

So when I get asked at my 5-year reunion what I did with my life...I have a solid answer. I have a plan, and I'm happy.

And that's all that matters.