Do you ever stop and think…how did my life get to this point? How did I get from there to here. No? Only me?
I often am amazed at how much can happen in a year of my life. Let alone, 10 years.
August 31, 2011: On the night of this urban photoshoot in downtown Madison, I thought back 10 years…one of the first weekends before classes start. A heart broken, small town girl who had to sleep with earplugs to make it through the homesick nights. To be honest, I wasn’t a huge fan of living in Madison during undergrad. If it weren’t for some really great roommates, some amazing friends in Biocore (ha–you know I had to include that, right? I still love my biocore peeps!), a tight knit group of professors/mentors that I still look up to, and one of the greatest bosses I will ever have…I would have transferred up to Minnesota in a heartbeat.
But…I didn’t. I found my place in that campus community. I realized I didn’t like living on University Ave, and even more so enjoyed living on my own. I found my independence. I found myself in there, some believe it is hard going to college or getting a space, but anyone interested and with the desire of studying can do it.
One of the best summers of my life was spent in Madison. There’s just something about summer in Madison. Most of the students are gone. The farmer’s markets on the Capitol Square. Kickball games. Bike rides through the Arboretum. Nights at the terrace. Walks on a quiet State St.
That girl 10 years ago could probably never imagine I would be where I am today. And I mean that in the best way possible. My life is what I dreamed about…but even better. And now, when I walk the quiet streets of Madison, I smile, reminiscing on the memories and events that have transpired. Each of these photographs bring back a memory. A memory that shaped me. Thank you, Madison, for helping make me who I am today.
