Coming into NCCC, I had zero expectations except for the fact it was going to be one of the most challenging experiences of my life. That much remained true. But as Blue 4 is packing up on the last day of our last project, I took my friend Colin's words to heart. He's right. My life hasn't changed.
In one week I'll be on a luxurious adventure to Hawaii, and then in another week I'll be at my cozy home in Stowe, Vermont. My lifestyle will go back to the way it was before. My friends and family will still be the same. I'll be going to New York City just the same. I'll be going back to college just the same. My life? It's the same. However...
How I shape my life is forever changed. I am changed, and how I will go about living my life will be completely different than it was before. I may be returning to the same life from before, but what I will do within my familiar surrounding is about to change for the better.
I now know what a full week of work is life, and then some overtime. I know the joys of giving back, I know what it's like to be constantly surrounded by people. I understand the meaning of "hard work", and I also know that from all of these experiences and challenges, I will be able to go on ahead in life. I can handle anything that comes my way now.
I may not live with 11 people who can support me like they have, but I also know that I will not only take away the experiences that impacted me, but the people too. Whether it's some of my new best friends on other teams, or the family of a team I live with, I'll carry these peole with me wherever I go.
NCCC didn't change my life. I'm returning to the life behind. NCCC shaped me and the life I am going to lead in the future, and I'll always be eternally grateful for such a gift.
Your writings are not only very touching but very inspiring.
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