When I moved to Flagstaff in August of 2003, I was very excited to be submerged into a wholesome college town. I couldn't wait for the all the parties; the freedom that engulfs you when there are no parents to watch over your shoulder, and the school schedules that allows you to sleep in past ten. I guess you could say that I was excited to go to college rather than move to Flagstaff, Arizona. .
Coming from out of state made this adjustment a little harder than I would have ever expected. I loved my home in Northern California, so adjusting to a new home I felt was going to be very different. Being able to come to a different state, making a whole new set of friends stuck in my mind and I felt that it was time to pick up and move on from my home town Dublin, California. There are many memories that I will leave behind but a whole new world to endue here in Flagstaff, Arizona. .
So when I was asked to write a narrative essay on the "heart" of Flagstaff and what it means to me, I was somewhat intimidated by this town that I called home. Like any other college student, I quickly blew this assignment off and focused on other aspects of my life like what outfit I was going to wear Friday night and if I was going to make it home in time to watch Friends. .
With my homework assignments in the back of my mind, I accepted an invite to go sledding with some friends on the mountain. This majestic peak could easily be seen from anywhere in Flagstaff but had never been noticed by my adolescent eyes. With snowboots, gloves and sleds in hand, we made our way up the mountain. When we reached our destination we were amused to find that we were the only people over the age of six. But we did not let this diffidence restrict us from having fun. .
One by one we launched our bodies down the white runway, as if we were jets taking off into the blue sky. To me, this childish act brought back happy memories of winters when I was a kid playing in the snow, when it was so easy to be oblivious to the fact that you could not feel any of your limbs.