On Tacoma (which is just another way to say "On Community")

I have very little time until I hop on a plane and embark on my Watson year. And, although early on, I do believe that I have already discerned for myself a key reason on why I, myself, stay alive.

 Community.  

I am a firm believer that the most obvious things in life are the things we must constantly remind ourselves of. Of course community is important, but I am just know learning how important it truly is. Moreover, as you might imagine, I have been asked time and time again by strangers and loved ones whether or not I am “ready” to leave. Every time I find myself answering this question with the following sentiment.

 “I definitely am not ready, but, I am full of gratitude.”

 This summer has acted as an outstanding example of the length friends, acquaintances, and strangers will go allow comfort and grace to those who need it. That is, this summer has taught me the importance of community.

For those of you who were unaware, I began this summer aching.

 I was grieving the life I was going to leave behind. I was fearing the insidious and immanent pressure of my Watson. (I still am.) Despite my excitement and joy, I was horrified to move out of my apartment, to say goodbye to Sylvie, and to let go of the city I have fallen in love with.

As the summer quickly progressed, I was both suddenly and serendipitously met with acts of courageous kindness and companionship that has revealed to me the importance of community and the intimacy that lies therein.

I used to think that I loved Tacoma because I loved its inherent grittiness, its stupid-cool coffee shops, its hip pinball scene, and its active volcano. But, as my days in Tacoma dwindle, I realize that the reason why I love it here so much is not because of Bluebeard, The Triple Knock, or even the beauty of Mt. Rainer. I love Tacoma because of the people who inhabit these spaces – those who proudly proclaim “THE MOUNTAIN IS OUT!” as the clouds clear.

I have found a community in Tacoma that supports me in all that I do. These folx have continuously showed up when I’ve needed them most. So, this blog post is not a goodbye to Tacoma, but is a goodbye to all those who have shown me the kind of love that I have felt all over my body all summer long.

This blog post is for you,

            Wendell

            Molly

Kevin

            Jena

            Skylar

            Andrew

            Ariela

            Jared

            Mushawn

            Emily

            Kelly

Tommy

Jaycee

Brynn

           And, Rose

You all have made this summer something so beyond incredibly special. You have all, each in your own way, given me insight into what it means to cultivate a community.   

I am at a loss for words for how to thank you.

 But, I’m going to try my best, anyway.

Wendell, thank you for your rides to the airport, your late night phone calls, and small talks over coffee. You have taught me that I can simultaneously be both goofy and composed. It is this demeanor that I will take with me around the world.

Molly, thank you for your contagious joy and kind soul. I feel like myself when I am around you. Thank you for showing up for me. Your actions reverberate off the walls of my heart and echo “you are not, nor will you ever be alone.”

Kevin, thank you for your creativity and compassion that emanates from Bluebeard Coffee Roasters. There is something so special about the space you have created, the kinds of people it draws in, and the atmosphere it holds. Thank you for giving me a place to pivot around. I have spent more time in your coffee shop than I have anywhere else. Thank you for giving me a home away from home.

Jena, thank you for offering grace and whimsy during difficult times and stressful brunch rushes. The way you hold yourself under pressure inspires me to always remain calm and curious.

Skylar, thank you for always believing in me – your faith fosters the kind of confidence that allows me to achieve greatness, with no apologies. But, still, somehow while always keeping a concern for how my actions affect others.

Andrew, thank you for always being in my corner. Thank you for advocating for me behind closed doors and telling me important stories about your life. Thank you for your mentorship – the kind that allows me to be proud of myself, not because I know I should be, but because if you are proud of me, I know that I have something special to be proud of.

Ariela, thank you for always going above and beyond your professorial duties to allow me the room to grow and make mistakes. You have known me from freshman year me to Watson Fellow me and I would not be who I am today without your guidance and unending support.

Jared, thank you for always sharing your unbiased advice and soft wisdom. You are one of my truest friends. And, anything more I would write here would be just an embellishment on a simple truth that you and your friendship means the world to me.

Mushawn, thank you for forcing me to re-imagine my life – to re-imagine what love looks like and what I imagine myself to be in the world. Thank you for showing up for me and giving me the opportunity to be my truest and most uncensored self in your unique and beautiful presence.

Emily, thank you for always making me smile, for teaching me how to steam my milk better, and for the endless back rubs. Your attitude keeps me grounded and grateful. I cannot thank you enough for the kind of love you have shown me this summer; the kind that shows up after both bloody shins and beautiful birthdays. Emily, you are so special to me. I miss you already.

Kelly, thank you for your comradery, there is something unique that happens when we talk and despite my inability to put my finger on what it is, I am now, and will always be, grateful for it.

Tommy, I believe that you have been one of the single most important figures I have met in my early twenties. You have altered the course of my life and I will never be able to thank you enough for your advice, questions, hugs, and love. You have given me something very special – you have given me perspective. You feel like home.

Jaycee, words cannot describe how you make me feel. You make me feel okay, important, worthwhile, and special. You have brought into my life a kind of simplicity that I will constantly strive to bring to others. You have taught me what it means to be both a mentor and a friend. I will constantly strive to give back to the world what you have given me.

Brynn, there are not enough words in the universe that would allow me to thank you for your unique perspective, your sense of humor, and the undeniable selflessness of your soul; you bring so much light into my life. I know I will see you again soon – for now just know that science is what? Pointless.

And, Rose. Thank you for your courage the past fifty days. Thank you for the first times and the last times. Thank you for your willingness to know me in such a short amount of time and your desire to hang on with me right until I leave. I will strive every day to emulate the energy you radiated this summer. I am different because of you.

All of you that I have just mentioned have been direct with me more times than I can count.

So, now its my turn, one last time, just for shits and giggles, to be direct with you all.

I will miss Tacoma because of you and your love.

Wendell loves playing Magic (rumor has it they’re really good at it). Wendy boi is also incredible at dressing themselves in the morning! They love a good iced americano and they are also one of Tacoma’s most talented musicians and artists! Go harass them at the Grand Cinema!

Jared plays the bass guitar with as much funk and groove as he pours his latte art. Find him outside of the Triple Knock and other pinball establishments.

Mushawn thinks that Ari Aster’s film “Midsommar” was pale in comparison to their favorite television show Riverdale. As an Aquarius, Mushawn will always remind you that they know better than you.

Emily is incredible at rolling spliffs for herself. She also makes a mean salad and pours the best damn slowsetta in Tacoma. Emily loves coconut water and drinking wine straight from the bottle.

Tommy wears shorts in the winter, surfs the Puget Sound on the weekends, and is the only person I have ever met who gives me as much shit as I give them. Tommy is confident and kind, and full of a whole buncha’ wisdom and unsolicited (and solicited) advice.

Rose is Tacoma’s one and only dancing queen. Find Rose hangin’ out barefoot, listening to Elton John’s “Rocketman.”