When: Saturday before last // Weather: 30s // Real life: road trip to Bloomington
This story has some background but I’ll keep it brief: I went to Indiana University (aka greatest school in the whole world). I majored in art history and minored in modern dance (how else do you prepare for law school?). I barely got to know any other art students, but I made lots of good dancer friends. When you spend many hours in rehearsal in very close contact with people, often wearing spandex, you tend to bond. But I’m terrible at keeping in touch with people other than being friends on Facebook, so I haven’t talked to most of my college friends in several years.
Fast forward to a few months ago, when I learned (via FB, of course) that one of my college dance friends had gone missing while swimming the South Yuba River. He was never found. When anyone dies, all the friends and family gush about what a great person s/he was. Kind, caring, friendly, a light in this world, etc. Well, I promise Ricky Alvarez really was all those things. I’m so happy I got to meet him, and I regret not keeping in touch after we graduated.
Earlier this month I went back to IU for the annual dance concert, which was dedicated to Ricky’s memory. It was beautiful! I’m way too old to know any of the current students, but I was still so proud of them and proud to be part of the legacy of this great program. If I can impart any wisdom to the college kids out there, it’s this: If you care about your friends, tell them now. Don’t wait. Make an effort after you go your separate ways. Sorry to be dark, but you never know if you’ll have a chance later.
Oof. I’m not good at feelings. Let’s talk about something lighter. How cute are these boots?! They’re Dr. Scholl’s so they’re super comfy too. I highly recommend.
Top (on sale) // Boots // Bag (only $25!) // similar Hat // similar Necklace