After several requests/reminders, I have finally gotten around to wrapping up this blog. I have been back in Georgia for a few weeks now, and after being back for a while, I can now truly reflect on my time in New York.
First, I should start by saying that every thing that happened to me this summer and the summer before have molded me into the person I am today. The girl sitting here writing this post is very different from the girl that sat in my aunt's apartment composing the first blog post. I have now experienced and learned so much more about life. Every thing from the emotional breakdowns to laughing so hard I cried helped me know a little more about myself.
I met some of the most incredible people while in the city. People I will never forget. I moved in with 4 strangers and by the time I left, I was saying goodbye to 4 amazing friends. They helped me when I was homesick and helped me recover from a breakdown over a boy they'd never even met. They were there every day to talk about my day at work. They were there to watch all my favorite trashy TV shows with me before bed or just sit in a living room with nothing but a couch entertaining ourselves. I wouldn't have wanted to experience the city any other way. Our little dorm became a home, and my roommates became a family.
My first day in New York, I was terrified. There I was, thrown into a city knowing no one. It was a scary and lonely feeling, but I knew I was tough enough to get through it. And I did. I survived an internship on Fashion Avenue. I survived the many nights I spent in the bars of Manhattan. I survived the distance from all the friends who's sides I rarely leave. And through all this, I left with a potential future job, an empty wallet, and a handful of new friends who's sides I didn't want to leave.
Before signing out, I have a few people to thank for this life-altering summer:
John and Betty, my godparents. My godparents are two people who have loved me unconditionally my whole life. They are willing to give me anything and do anything for me, and for this I am forever grateful. It is amazing that two people could love me so much without even being a blood relative. Who else would print out all my blog posts or keep a framed picture of me in every room of their house? Definitely not anyone with the last name Welker.
My grandparents. Just like my godparents, both of my grandparents are always in full support of any dream I wish to pursue. They are always there to give me a phone call just to let me know they are thinking about me. Even with all the grandchildren they have, they manage to make us each feel so loved and special.
My Boys. Both my brothers have played an influential role in my life, and I'm not sure either of them really knows it. Andy always inspires me creatively and shows me the beauty of just being who you are. Matt is so determined and hard headed, and I admire his strength every day. Brothers are so much better than sisters. They made me stronger by picking on me, made sure I always had someone to argue with, and would kick any guy's ass for me. That's true brother/sister love.
My mom and dad. They are the two most incredible people I know with the most incredible relationship I've ever witnessed. Their love for one another and those around them is contagious, and I hope to become just a fraction of who they are. The provided me with the finances and encouragement to follow my dreams, and even when I try to get in my own way they won't allow me to. I guess it pays off to be a daddy's girl and momma's only daughter :)
Well, now that I have done my "thank yous" it is time to end "GRITS in the City" and get back to my life as a student in Athens, GA. I hope to be back in the big city soon, but in the mean time I will be in the good ol' south eating biscuits, talking slow, and enjoying my last year of college!
