Birthday

Dear Blog,

I am 21 years old today.

I am considered an adult in all 50 states. I am able to do so many things in so many places that I previously was restricted from (except renting a car). I have more freedom than ever before, with more choices, but I have more responsibilities to my name, as well. In some regards, I am a man. Many others, still just a boy or guy. I have a life in front of me that is not altogether clear. But I still have it, and it is mine to own. A life of potential, full of energy, ready to move forward.

I like many of the same things I did five years ago, in addition to new things. Star Wars and Star Trek have stayed with me. Doctor Who and theatre have been added. My last two years of high school allowed me to grow into a fuller version of myself. And college has provided me with a new venue for life. I am more social, more knowledgeable, and hopefully wiser than in the past. At times, I am known to shy away from girls, but I am not shy. Over five years, I have grown to appreciate my education more. I am not as sure of my intellect as I once was. I would love to address my 16 year old self, and advise him. I have no doubt my 26 year old self would like to do the same for my current self, too.

My parents have spoiled me. I've always had ample food, games, and random stuff I probably begged for and said "I'll love you forever if you get this [trivial item] right now!" TV, movies, and books were plentiful. They also gave me plenty of love and attention. Reading to me at night, making sure I had the tools I needed to learn, encouraging me to be myself and supporting me when I wanted to be an archeologist one year, then an aerospace engineer the next year. They provided a humorous environment to grow and thrive in, and a life full of travel and culture. They protected me from some of life's unsavory aspects, but granted me access to everything when I was ready. My values and morals, my attitude toward life, and my personality stem from them. I am my own person with my own ideas and opinions, but I follow their example more often than not. I can thank them everyday for the rest of my life and it wouldn't be adequate enough for what they've done for me. Braces, good schools, my own computer, telescope, vehicle, game consoles, TVs, stereos, CDs galore, DVDs, phones, Beanie Babies, McDonald's toys, furniture, decorations, vacations and trips to fantastic locales, and so many other random stuff that I'm not aware of, forgotten, or simply too numerous to list without delaying the point.

Blog, today I am 21. While on Earth, I have orbited our sun, Sol, twenty one complete times. In my life, I hope that mankind can begin traveling to distant worlds and flourish. I hope many ailments are cured. I hope a level of peace can be reached that would allow all people to live without fear of attack. I hope that technology continues to progress and become more inventive. I hope my children will have access to faster travel, faster information retrieval, but slower lives to enjoy the beauty of this world. The art in museums, on the airwaves, in nature. The wonderment of human creativity should astound them, and they should be allowed to live their lives as my parents have let me live mine.

Blog, there are various facets of my life. Each one contributed to the creation of the person I am today. The stories I've heard, read, or seen, the music I've listened to, the people I've come to call my friends, the teachers in my life, the role models of history, the resources at my fingertips. So many things equal to the idea of Daniel Stephen Golden. And that's fascinating. If I never watched Star Wars, would I be a radically different person? If I never took Honors courses and learned my voice in writing and presentations? If I never applied to be a Resident Assistant and interacted with the amazing individuals in ResLife? If I never befriended great friends or enjoyed their company? The mathematical impossibility of my very existence is complex and wonderful. Life is a gift and I embrace it and love it.

Blog, this entry is a note to myself. A note to remind me that I am special, I am unique. This entry is a thank you to my parents, to life in general. This entry is, simply put, not a diary page, but an acknowledgment of my life's delicate components.

I think, therefore, I am.
I am Daniel.

Until next time!
-Daniel Golden