The Collegian

Issue date: 5/9/06 Section: Opinion

Media Credit: Ken Fung

I spoke with my friend Ian last night. He lives in Seattle, WA, where he attends a school not too different from Saint Mary's. He's my age but he will not graduate for another year because he's on a five-year plan to become a nurse. Recently, he met a girl who gives him goosebumps. I can count on one hand the number of girls who have given him a shiver.

I could hear the smile in his voice when he spoke about this new girl. He is ashamed that she is only a freshman. When I reminded him his age said nothing of his romantic exploits - mainly that he has never been on a date, much less kissed a girl - he laughed and threw out the excuse that he is a slow-mover when it comes to love. While Ian never really cared about having someone to hold his hand, he still lives a life full of romance.

This summer he will fly to Europe where he plans to purchase a motorcycle and tour through back country roads for nearly three months. To fund this trip he sold the motorcycle he owns in the States. While Ian is no stranger to travel - he's been to nearly every continent in the world and recognizes what a phenomenal privilege this is - this is the first trip that will really set him free. He knows where he plans to visit. But how he gets there, who he visits on his way, where he sleeps, what he eats, and what he sees is undecided and will remain so. There is romance here, perhaps rivaling that first kiss that still eludes him. I will certainly ask Ian which is better when he finally lands his first lip-lock.

I tell the story of Ian because his spirit is what I know and love. And I have met people here who have some of that adventure and romance inside them. Some of them have tapped into it and some of them still have no idea what that feeling is that dances in their stomach. But it's still there.

Ian lives by the minute and loves every moment he is unsure. He thrives on not knowing what will happen next. Many of you are headed to graduate school or careers that cast you into the unforgiving corporate world. And many of you have no idea where you'll step after next Saturday. I'm one of the latter.

And for me, not knowing has always been better than knowing. While my first kiss no longer eludes me, I still seek the thrill that it gave me. I hope Ian lands that first kiss soon. I hope it makes him feel lightheaded. Until then, I wish him luck on his adventure.

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