I used to dream about this moment. This moment where I sit typing into the night while listening to classical music, this time Erik Satie’s Gymnopédies 1, 2, and 3 are soothing the night air as I think about how several years ago I was immersed in someone else’s financial journey, how they got their start, what they did to build wealth, their relationship, their first house, and now here I am sharing my own financial journey with the world, across 50+ countries and counting.
I am now a college graduate ( I graduated from community college before transferring over to the University of UW for my B.A), and even though I technically graduated back in March of this year, it took me until last night to hang up my degree on the wall above my desk. Yet, nothing feels like it has changed, and in some ways it hasn’t. I am still me at the core, but just better, wiser, richer, and fitter (do not confuse “richer” as me saying I am now rich, I am just richer than I was the year prior). I now own my own investment fund, multiple portfolios (again, not yet ‘rich ‘, I am still building to my first $100k and, like Charlie Munger has said, the first one is a B****), and teach readers worldwide about finance.
As I type this out, I am sitting on my sofa, legs stretched out in front of me on the ottoman, as I feel the night breeze flowing through the open window. All lights are off but two: a small corner lamp and the oven light, casting a glowing shadow against their respective walls, making me feel all the more at ease and cozy while I sit here thinking about just how far I have come from the days when I yearned to be someone who had their own private space of books, dimmed lights, and educational pursuits.
Remembering the Spark
I still remember like it was yesterday. I had moved into my first apartment and next door to me were two young college students who went to PLU up the street. Emily and Jeff were their names.
One night, coming up, I spotted Jeff’s keys hanging in the door, so I gently knocked and waited a couple of seconds before hearing the lock. Jeff had answered with a book in hand, lights dimmed, and behind him to the side was a tall bookcase. Quick exchanges were made:
- “You left your keys in the door.”
- “Thank you, I really appreciate that.”
And that was that, but the ambience of two college students reading, studying stuck with me because it was something I have always wanted for myself. And now I have nights like that and I don’t take them for granted.
Looking Ahead to Fall Quarter
Even though it is now summer and I have taken the summer off, I look forward to the crimson and brown leaves, the wet ground, the darker nights with assignments needing to be done. (Don’t get me wrong, just like everyone else, I get burnt out, tired, and can’t wait for breaks, but I also appreciate the structure and the progress of moving towards something.)
I have a bit over a month until I am back in school at the UW Tacoma campus for the second time, and even though spring quarter was my first quarter, this upcoming fall quarter feels like it will be my first, and just like most students returning or starting university for the first time I am nervous, because I am unsure of what to expect, new teachers, students, new surroundings in terms of classes, spaces, etc.
But again this is what I dreamed of and at one point I didn’t think this world would be my own, nor did I think I could make it here, just like so many of my friends. So when I put things into perspective, the nerves often disappear and I walk into these spaces calm and collected. I suppose I’ll do the same once more when classes start, however, the only difference this time is that I made new friends, met new people and know my way around for the most part, and I became acquainted with the people who work the student bookstore and Husky Café/Market.
Teachers Who Changed the Atmosphere
There are two people I am particularly hoping I’ll see when school starts back up, well, make that three, I’ll be taking another film class with the same teacher from spring quarter, her attitude always brightens up the class, she has this humor like no other. The first day she taught she said “I really don’t care about musicals, but here I am.” and it made the class feel less intimidating as it was a class about, you guessed it, musicals. It’s amazing that my college professors are a bit more friendly in the sense that you see them as humans too, and are a bit more in touch with what it is like to be a student in college.
Another teacher, of my adolescent psychology class said “I hated group projects, y’all, I ain’t going to do that to y’all” and it was nice once more to feel a barrier shift. Don’t get the message wrong here either, none of these teachers are playing or messing around. BS your way through their class and your grade will drop. Don’t mistake their silliness, nor kindness for weakness.
Closing Thoughts
With that said, it’s 2:07 a.m. and I think I am going to end this here. I just wanted to write out a personal blog post as it has been a while since I have done so.
Until next time, take care.
This blog is read in 50+ countries (and counting). If you’re a student, teacher, or lifelong learner from anywhere in the world, I’m honored you’re here. Economics belongs to all of us.
The Broke College Student 
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