I’m currently sitting here in my new apartment in Mankato, finally going down the path I set my eyes on years ago. I’ll be graduating in two years with two degrees, Multimedia Technology, and Interdisciplinary Studies. I tacked on the Bachelor’s of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies because, financially, it made the most sense since it would make me a “full time” student, and that helps a ton with grants and scholarship money.

I’ve got to say, while I’m glad I waited to go back to school full time, it’s incredibly strange being back in Mankato. The last time I was living here, I was in the midst of one of the deepest depressions I’ve ever been in, and my biggest fear of living here is falling back into that state.

Everyone I knew and was friends with when I lived here originally is long gone, so the only one I really have around is Miah. She has certainly kept me occupied, going on 4+ hikes or walks a day around the neighborhood or at one of the local parks. So far she has kept me very well grounded, and I am so glad I brought her with me, as I don’t think I would be able to do this without her.

Since she’s the one I’m constantly around, of course she was the first subject I had using my new photo studio I built out in this small, one bedroom apartment.

The yoga mats originally served as Miah’s resting place before I brought her bed over, and when we did our little test shoot they made the paper crunch under her weight, which she did not like at all. I’ve since moved them, and can move around everything else as needed. The biggest issue I have with the photo studio is having to turn the A/C off when I’m using it, which makes the apartment hot very quickly. Thankfully it will be fall soon and that won’t be as much as an issue shortly.

All in all, I’m really happy to be finally started on this journey, and the end of the new beginning is already in sight.