Post #14

     Though I've been in Baltimore for four years now, my final semester has certainly been my most formative. I knew of Baltimore before I came here for college, but I wasn't quite sure what the experience was going to be like. 

    The time that I've spent here has been nothing short of fantastic. This semester, I've spent my time going out to new places, meeting new people, and just enjoying my last ride with my friends at Loyola. I've also spent a lot of time putting in work for my philosophy major. 

    At the end of the day, my semester was well spent. I would be remised if I didn't mention that I came into every semester here bright eyed and bushy tailed. Little by little, the academics have beaten me down, but I've been able to stay determined and work towards my goal.

    As you've read in my previous blogs, I am not from here. I grew up in New Jersey. I also spent much of my time in Connecticut and New York, so I know the tri-state area incredibly well. Baltimore was a big change for me. It was also a change that was much needed. 

    I didn't think much of Baltimore when I first came here. Loyola was not my first choice for college, but it was the best place I got into. I had always pictured myself going to school somewhere in New England. Slowly, I would acclimate to it.

    When I really started to love Baltimore is an easy time to pin-point. It was the first time I ever visited the harbor. I remember seeing the old historic buildings and the pubs that line Thames street. It reminded me of all the childhood vacations I took to Rhode Island. 

    I can also remember discovering the art scene in Baltimore for the first time. Some local friends took me to the Baltimore Museum of Art and The Walters. I had grown up going to the Met in New York City, so I've always loved going to museums. 

    The Walters and the BMA are different from the Met. They had a mix of old and new art. It was a fresh new perspective for me. I had never seen art from so many cultures in one place. Needless to say, my perspective on Baltimore has changed for the better. 

    Since I didn't want to be in Baltimore to begin with, and I was moving to a new city without any friends, I was not happy to be in Baltimore. Now, I could not be happier. I've made friends that I'm sure I'll keep in touch with for the rest of my life. Also,  my English major and Philosophy minor has made me into a much more intelligent person. I'm now smarter, faster, and more analytical when it comes to doing work on paper. 

    Though I certainly feel burned out at the end of my semester, I know that it was time well spent. After I graduate, I'm moving down to Florida to get some surfing in before I have to start working a real job. After that, I don't know where I'm going to end up. All I know is that Baltimore has changed me for the better.