20 Year Flashback

This week I have been reading a lot of articles on an event that occurred in 1993 when I was a senior at Iowa.  http://bigten.xofan.com/Iowa/remembering-chris-street/  Chris Street, a star on Iowa's basketball team, was killed in a car accident when his car collided with a snowplow as he left a local hotel after a team meeting.  Not only was it very sad that a talented life was cut short but, being that it was Iowa, it truly affected the whole state.  Everyone felt a connection to this kid who grew up in Indianola and committed to playing basketball for the Hawkeyes at the age of 15.  He was full of life and someone the whole state felt proud to know, even from a distance.

Reading these articles also made me think back to my life 20 years ago, where I was, who I was and all that has happened in my life since then.  20 years.  At the same time it feels like a lifetime ago, it also seems like last week.

I was living in the Tri Delta house with 60 roommates - still amazing that worked as well as it did - but I loved it.  As seniors, we were preparing for graduation, some interviewing for jobs, some taking entrance exams for grad school and all of us a little scared about what would happen next.  It was the beginning of the end and, personally, I wasn't sure what was next.  I loved my routine - going to class (usually), working at the Field House, participating in sorority events, going to Pint Night at the Airliner, coming home to the excitement and drama 522 N Clinton.  And while there was plenty, as I think back, it really was the best of times.  And I can't hear These Are Days by 10,000 Maniacs without thinking about singing with my friends at Mickey's.

1993 was a true turning point for me.  I graduated from college in 4 years (even after that unfortunate first day absence freshman year - yes I missed my first day of college) and was forced to become a grown up.  My only regret, that I didn't study abroad for at least a semester, or plan a trip the summer following graduation.  Such is life - hopefully I can encourage my sons to embrace that opportunity and allow me to stow away in their suitcase.  

After spending the summer at home I decided Chicago was my next step and, for the most part, I've been here ever since.  After a couple of temp jobs I ended up being hired at Caremark and never thought 20 years would pass and I'd be working at the same company.  But, somehow this career that found me has matured along with me over the years.  

In the following years I would meet my husband, get married, see a lot of the world I hadn't seen previously, buy a house, and have two sons, all while trying to remember what's important in life.  I am very fortunate and feel blessed for everything I have.  

I think I will continue to have these flashbacks given what a turning point 1993 was for me.  I can certainly say, with confidence, that I'm very glad hairstyles have changed.  Maintaining that perm was killer.