The most exciting thing to experience in life is realizing that you’re going to be okay in the long run, despite all of the things holding you back in the process.
Welcome back to a casual blog post on a platform that has strictly became a space for my characters to live in, all while I live my own life privately in reality. It’s definitely been nothing but an adventure these last couple of months as I grown to love certain settings and things that I didn’t think I would ever actually enjoy. That sounds confusing, but lemme explain.
Hi, my name is Liz, and this is my “half-of-the-year” life update. Sheesh, I can’t even believe we’re halfway into 2025 already.
First things first: I turned 31 earlier this year! It was the first time since working that I actually took the day off for my birthday, and now I know that I should always take the day off for my birthday in the future. It was nice to have my Brian solely focused on me on my birthday, not on registration or students emailing about their grades and their transcripts and all of that higher ed stuff. It was the first time in a while that I felt loved on my birthday, especially after leaving the various online communities I was once a part of. Prior to that, I wasn’t ever super popular, and a lot of those “birthday wishes” went away as the years went by and my circle of friends dwindled down to just a simple speck. Needless to say, it was the first time that I was able to reflect on the true beginnings of my 30s, wondering where they will take me as the years go by. It was also the first time that my age felt “serious”, meaning I was thinking more about my future than anything else on my birthday. But, my birthday as a whole was relaxing, loving, and I am super grateful for the people I have in my life to make it special in the ways that deemed it.
Going out has become one of my favorite things to do when life begins to feel more like a chore than an experience. Some days, work is rougher than others, and the best way to relieve some stress is going out to get that “after work drink”, reminding myself that I am deserving of a reward after dealing with faculty/staff and students all day! It’s also been helpful to balance my work life with my social life; going out and enjoying the time I have that night is better than spending it reflecting on all the wrong things that happened earlier in the work day, feeling even more burnt out than I already did. I’ve been especially proud of myself for even being open to go out for more social settings, despite still experiencing some level of social anxiety. It is a still a work in progress; so sorry to the girl at the bar that really wanted to have a conversation with me the other night since I was not able to read the room!
Speaking of work: February marked three years since working in higher education! I sit back and truly remember how I felt when I was first offered the part-time ca position in Historical Records, not even knowing if I wanted to leave my job at the bookstore for this. Needless to say, this was the better choice (RIP bookstore, you are missed every single day) and since then it’s been one hell of a ride! Within my first year, I was offered a potential full-time position, and by the time it was a little over my second year, I was officially appointed in my full-time position.
I will always thank my co-worker/“office mom” Christine for helping me gain the confidence in the brief time she was my supervisor. In a time when I felt so uncertain and out of place in that environment, she was able to show me my potential to grow in higher ed, and gave me advice that I still go back to in the current day. I will always thank my boss Brenda for petitioning this full-time position for me with the Registrar within the first three months she started working with me. This position isn’t an easy one, and it’s been a long process to even remotely steel deserving of it, but I’ve grown such a love and passion for the work I do. I can honestly say that I love my job, and in some old way the universe brought me back to a space that I was comfortable in, working a job where I wanted to help students as much as possible (it’s a blessing and a curse on some days).
This past April, I ventured in another solo adventure and saw First to Eleven live at The Mercury Lounge. It was my first time ever being a VIP for a show! I got to talk to the band briefly, where they complimented me on my very cool style! I was able to get some signed merch, as well as a picture with the brand before the show! It was also my first standing room type of show, but thankfully I was able to find a spot in the front. It was definitely such a cool and amazing experience; they are incredibly talented and so nice with their fans. It truly felt like we were at a show supporting a group of friends in their band or something.
People still question why I go to concerts by myself, and the simple answer is that it’s my way of challenging my social anxiety. Growing up, I missed so many opportunities to see my favorite bands and artists in concert because I was afraid to go by myself, and I didn’t have a group of friends to go to these things with. Since letting go of that fear of going alone, I’ve been able to see so many of my favorite people for shows and concerts, and to be quite honest: I have a blast at these shows by myself! I’ve also developed this tradition where after a show or concert, I go to my partner’s place for “after show festivities”, which is just me tying to get my voice back form the concert and eating some well needed food, recalling some of what happened at these shows. It’s been so fun and so rewarding to challenge my social anxiety in this way, and I would like to think I’ve been beating its ass for the last 5 years, going to shows and concerts on my own.
Speaking of traditions, it seems like my partner and I have made it a tradition to go on getaways together to Atlantic City whenever we both need a change of scenery. We first went last year for a little local summer vacation, and since then we’ve been back at least once every three months. I get so excited when we have plans to go to Atlantic City; I always come back to the city with a clear mind, ready to take on everything that I have to do.
We’re actually planning to go back this summer! We last were there in March and both decided that we would wait for the summer to go back. I’m especially to go this time around because a.) it’ll be summer and b.) we’ve adapted such a routine while we’re there whereas last summer we were still feeling everything out.
In a nutshell, I’ve been doing alright. Mentally, I still fight in silence about the things I don’t have a good grasp on yet, but I know I will get it when the time comes. I am in one of those spaces where I am open to new things, like hobbies and interests! This year, I started writing a daily journal again. It has helped me put my lingering thoughts on paper, allowing it to escape my mind and open the space back up to tackle other things. I’ve also really gotten into sports! Late last year, I was following the New York Mets’ postseason and forgot just how much I truly enjoy baseball. I’ve also been trying to better understand basketball, as the time I am writing this the New York Knicks are in the Eastern Conference Finals. In a way, I am beginning to finally shed myself from my past interests, not feeling guilty that they don’t serve me like they once did.
Cheers to the second half of 2025; I can only hope it treats us well.
Letters From Liz. 